The founder of a social enterprise which promotes singing as a form of therapy for people with lung problems has encouraged more people to follow the same route into business.

Mary Anne Barclay of Singing for Lung Health, who is currently a student on the Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneur Programme at Start Up Ipswich, was guest speaker at a celebration of social entrepreneurship hosted by the Bury St Edmunds branch of Lloyds Bank.

She shared her experience of growing her idea into a real business, with the support of the Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Programme, which is run in partnership with School for Social Entrepreneurs and jointly funded by Big Lottery Fund.

The programme supports entrepreneurs with ideas for social change through financial support (with grants of up to £10,000), a comprehensive learning programme with the School for Social Entrepreneurs and a dedicated business mentor from the Lloyds Banking Group.

Singing for Lung Health leads community singing groups for people with lung disease and breathing complications such as asthma,

The interactive classes involve breathing exercises, body warm-ups and song-learning to help improve breathing and lung health while also increasing participants’ confidence and sense of wellbeing in an enjoyable and inclusive environment.

Speaking at after the event in Bury, Mary Anne said: “Today has been an exciting opportunity to showcase my social enterprise Singing for Lung Health and speak to the local community of Bury St Edmunds about the unique support of the Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Programme in partnership with School for Social Entrepreneurs.

“The programme has played a valuable role in helping me to get Singing for Lung Health up-and-running and I have acquired a diverse array of skills to help grow my business, whilst learning from a network of like-minded people and gaining real business insight from my mentor”.

Vanessa Clark, branch manager at Lloyds Bank in Bury said, “It has been great to welcome Mary Anne into our Bury St Edmunds branch today and give colleagues and customers the opportunity to speak to her about running a social business.

“Today’s event really brings to life the benefits of the Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Programme, in partnership with School for Social Entrepreneurs and illustrates our commitment to help Britain prosper by supporting people, businesses and communities across the UK.”

Applications for the programme are currently open, with a closing date of April 26, at www.yourideastartshere.co.uk. The School for Social Entrepreneurs Ipswich is hosting taster sessions across the region to showcase what the programme has to offer and if it is right for you.