Helen Humphreys - Virtual Assistant

09/02/2026

Are you a small business owner looking to gain more confidence when dealing with your finances and online presence? This 6 week programme might be useful to you!

Small Business Britain provide some fantastic webinars specifically aimed at small businesses throughout the year and they're free!

📣 Want to feel confident about your small business finances and online presence?

Small Business Britain and Lloyds Bank Academy are excited to launch a brand new Master Your Money, Grow Your Business programme!

Designed to give small business owners clarity, control, and confidence across finances, operations, online presence and planning, the FREE 6-week programme includes:

☑️ Live weekly sessions recorded and available to replay
☑️ Weekly worksheets developed by expert trainers
☑️ 1 hour of 1-to-1 mentoring from expert mentors
☑️ Inclusion in a supportive community of experts and other small businesses

The programme starts on 3rd March 2026 and will be delivered entirely online, allowing flexible learning and access from anywhere in the UK.

📅 Register here: https://ow.ly/4MfL50Y8bJt

Need support for your business? Get free help and support to grow your business with Small Business Britain and Lloyds Bank Academy!

To find out more, visit: https://ow.ly/PUGG50Y8bJs

Image description: A graphic promoting the “Master Your Money, Grow Your Business” programme. The illustration features a hand placing a pound coin into a jar of savings against a city skyline. Underneath the title is the line “Essential Business and Digital Skills” with a badge stating “6 weekly webinars”. Small Business Britain and Lloyds Bank Academy logos appear at the top.

05/02/2026

Are you an artist, maker or designer selling on Folksy? If you are, then don't miss out on the opportunity to join in with their 'Perfectly Imperfect Weekend' coming up later this month! A great opportunity to have a little clearout of stock usually left at the back of the cupboard and gain a little income from some of your seconds!

05/02/2026

Attention retailers on the High Street! Get involved with British Independent Retailers Association - Bira campaign this month.. encouraging shoppers to show a little love for their independent high st retailers this February!

Find all the resources you need including social media assets and posters by following their link! 👇

When independent businesses work together, shoppers listen!
Join Bira's this Valentines and help spread the important message to shop locally! Download your ready to use promotion pack today to get started.
Inside the pack:

- Social media assets
- Printable flyers and window posters
- Premade emails and social posts
- Email banners and signatures
- Plus more

Get involved and download your ready to use assets today - https://bit.ly/LYHS-2026-Assets

05/02/2026

"Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always" - Robin Williams

It's and this year Rethink Mental Illness and Mind are encouraging you to brave the big talk – and have conversations about mental health experiences that might still feel a bit unspoken.. helping to destigmatise mental health problems and improve attitudes.

Make time for that cuppa or phone call today ... it's so dreary out there and this winter has gone on forever, so it could really help and make someone's day.

Find out more at https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/time-to-talk-day/ and if you are really struggling, these organisations can help

Just leaving this here if you need it 🩵 Today is , get involved and share this post to remind others that it's okay to reach out for help 💭

22/01/2026

A great funding opportunity for Derbyshire based Designer Makers! 🔽

⭐ Designer Maker Business Support – Photography Bursary Opportunity ⭐

Derbyshire Makes is pleased to announce the launch of the Create Growth Photography Bursary, to help build brand and product promotion of Derbyshire's growing Designer-Maker sector.

The bursary is available for Derby and Derbyshire Designer-Maker businesses and provides funding, up to a maximum of £800*, towards the cost of professional product photography fees. Businesses must have been trading more than one year and have an established product range.

Deadline for applications: 4 February

🔗 https://www.artsderbyshire.org.uk/news/arts-funding-resources-news/designer-maker-business-support-photography-bursary/

22/01/2026

Just a little reminder that i'm still here quietly working in the background, supporting some fabulous artists/makers and small businesses!

If you are an artist/maker and are looking for some support with tedious administrative tasks and marketing, then my virtual assistant service might suit you perfectly! Please get in touch or visit my website for further details!

10/10/2025

19/02/2025

I'm taking a break! 👋

Just a little message to let you know that I haven't completely disappeared, but I am taking a step back in terms of my business and presence on social media for now.

I wasn't going to post, but it's something that I think needs to be spoken up about more to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Sometimes, the pressure that we put on ourselves can be the worst of them all. I am my own worst critic, I frequently get imposter syndrome, struggle with networking and crowds due to social anxiety (despite appearing to have a cheery demeanor!), and I suffer with SAD & this winter has felt like it's gone on forever.

Anxiety and depression rears it's head in many ugly forms, from feelings of low self-esteem and self-confidence to complete overwhelm and obsessive compulsive behaviours. Frustrations with physical health dont help either! I've balanced all of these on a daily basis and have decided to take my foot off the gas and take some time to rediscover myself again .. and find my path. I will still be working with my regular clients, but I won't be taking on anything new and won't be appearing on social media unless it's sharing photos from my garden over on Instagram 🪴

Take care of yourselves, and it's easy to say, but remember that it's ok to not be ok.

20/01/2025

Just popping on with a reminder that it's not ! ☕️🫖

The Samaritans message that our mental health doesn't fit neatly into a calendar and we can't control when our hard days will show up... so let's throw out Blue Monday and have Brew Monday instead! As they say... "Out with the blue and in with the brew!"... a day to reach out and check in with friends and family over a brew! Simply having a quick chat with someone who is experiencing loneliness and isolation can really give them the pick-me-up that they need, or letting someone know who is not ok... "that it's ok to not be ok" and you're there for them... ☕️

I'm adding in my own messaging here, too...
If you don't quite feel up to talking just at this moment and on this particular day... that's ok too... there's no pressure...
Why not pop the kettle on and take your cuppa somewhere else for a change of scenery. Maybe it's a sunny windowsill watching the clouds go by and listening to the birds, wrapping up and stepping outside to look for signs of spring in the garden, popping on your woolies for a walk around the block, enjoying the company of your pets or sitting and doing an activity that you enjoy (jigsaws are my favourite!)

If you're really struggling and in crisis, though... please don't suffer in silence and alone. There are people out there who are solely there to help people just like you. I know because I've benefitted from their help in the past. They can help pick you up and get you back on your feet. Please do reach out if it all gets too much.

Mind I Burton and District Mind I Derbyshire Mind I Mental Health Foundation I
Talking Mental Health Derbyshire - https://www.derbyshirehealthcareft.nhs.uk/services/talking-mental-health-derbyshire

07/01/2025

I'm a little slow to the party, but Happy New Year! A timely reminder that on social media, it's better to show up, than not at all! So here's me.. better late than never!

I'm back at my desk today.. somewhat easing myself into 2025, having spent most of the Christmas break nursing a head cold!

So... first up... here are your awareness days for January 2025! There are some great ones to link into with your social posts and to bring into your workplace too!

#2025

13/12/2024

Christmas last posting dates are rapidly approaching! It's time to send that all important reminder to customers to let them know when your deadline is for last postal orders!

It's also your last chance to send Christmas cards too! I just love the sending and receiving of Christmas cards. It's an opportunity to show those across the miles and nearer to home that you're thinking of them and deliver a festive greeting! As the Greeting Card Association campaign says 'Send a card.. Deliver a smile!'

Christmas cards don't just deliver seasonal cheer, but they also support the greetings card industry which includes so many small businesses like artists, designers, and creators as well as independent retailers and not forgetting charities too! This year, I've chosen to support Mind and RNLI through purchasing my cards.

Here are the all important Royal Mail last posting dates: 📮
Wednesday 18th December - 2nd Class
Friday 20th December - 1st Class
Saturday 21st December - Royal Mail Tracked 24
Monday 23rd December - Special Delivery

12/12/2024

I feel so lucky that I get to work with some wonderful artists and makers ... and experience stepping into their magical world of making! I spent a lovely morning in the studio with Louise Mary Designs - Silversmith & Jeweller today - there's something truly special about getting to work whilst experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of the workshop and seeing beautiful pieces being created before my eyes!

Louise not only makes some simply stunning jewellery and silverware in her cosy South Derbyshire studio, but she also runs workshops throughout the year too - from creative jewellery to making your own wedding rings! To get into the festive spirit, Louise will be running a family christmas decorations workshop Sharpe's Pottery Museum this coming Saturday. I can thoroughly recommend this as we've been previously to make gifts for loved ones! It's a great introduction to the craft and a Christmas experience with a difference!