I am still studying, I have completed a two year full time advanced diploma, my next step is to complete 20 hours of face to face practical. I will only be education and advice, I do not plan to go into counselling, I am not wanting to replace nhs care but to be an additional support if needed. I know this won't be for everyone but unless you are really focused to find out the information about this disease it can be overwhelming. I would have liked 13 years ago someone who could really empathise with what I was going through.
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Walshdon, have you considered how large or small your target market would be? I appreciate there are many diabetics around, although many are T2, which may or may not float your boat, but you also have to consider a few commercial aspects.
Firstly, it is critical you thoroughly assess what your tightest running costs would be. By that, I mean any periodic registration fees, insurances, premises, unless you want to work from home, and if you do want to work from home, it's unlikely it would be appropriate to have consultations in the corner of the living room, or dining room. If you are considering premises, you have to take into account rent, business rates, utilities, cleaning and anyone who might be required to support you, or act as a chaperone, if you intend to lay hands on your clients. Then you add whatever level of income you require to support your personal lifestyle - mortgage/rent, utilities, food and drink, National Insurances and Income Tax and generally having a life and the odd holiday.
Once you have that, you need to seriously consider how much you would have to charge an hour for your services to cover your costs, at a credible level of saturation. How much of any working day could you actually be doing consultations? After all, you have to make/return phone calls, do emails, market yourself/networking, building and maintaining relationships with local HCP, because sure as eggs is eggs, they'll get to know about it, and any relevant travel you might need to undertake. If there is any element of you visiting clients, you will need insurance for full business use (which is a different category to commuting to and from a regular base, and also wear and tear/periodic replacement of any vehicle.
My gut feel is your services, to provide yourself with a decent living, wouldn't be cheap. Would you expect your clients to come back again and again, and again? How many sessions would you consider a client might need/like? If not, are you confident of enough new clients, month on month?
I wish you the very best of luck.