It’s a year since Mirabel Lavelle released her debut picture book Zeb, Jet and the Ice-Cream Calamity, a story focused on food allergy awareness, having been supported through the process by TEDCO Business Advisor, Allison Nicks.
We caught up with Mirabel to find out how her business has progressed in the last 12 months and how the public has responded to her work around raising awareness of food allergies. Read our article here.
Zeb, Jet and the Ice-Cream Calamity is a fun and accessible adventure story, set around the Souter Lighthouse and other key North East landmarks. Not only is it an entertaining read but it is also an important educational tool covering a topic that former school teacher, Mirabel Lavelle, says is still misunderstood and underappreciated:
“When I released the book last year I wanted to get the word out about the importance of allergy safety for families. Over the last year, I’ve spent much of my time working within schools, libraries, church groups and other community organisations and it has reinforced for me how important it is to educate people on the risks associated with allergies.”
Mirabel Lavelle teaching school children
Beyond touring her book, Mirabel explains that her work as an educator often involves signposting organisations towards other resources and services that can provide further support or guidance. As she says,
“I’ve found myself being a cog at the centre of a much bigger wheel. I’ve developed a network which includes agencies, charities and community groups such as those delivering medical training – so I find myself helping to facilitate CPD days for organisations that want to learn more.
Mirabel has also worked closely with teachers to align allergy awareness activities with the national curriculum, enabling children to meet attainment targets for literacy, science and PSE. This project is set to expand in the next academic year to incorporate the wider school community – both in the classroom and through online learning.
Food Allergy Awareness – Business Plan on target
Like every good author, Mirabel is full of ideas for further books that will not only delight young readers but also expand on the message around some of the lesser known allergies suffered by children and adults.
She continues to receive support from TEDCO Business Advisor, Allison Nicks, and builds on her work as an educator within communities around the North East. This includes pursuing publicity opportunities such as features on the Writers & Artists website and on panels at author events in the region.
Recently, she has also launched a new website as a valuable online resource for those looking to find out more about the work she does in schools, libraries and the local community.
TEDCO Business Advisor, Allison Nicks, who is part of the Start Up South Tyneside delivery team, says,
“It’s wonderful to see how well received Mirabel’s book has been in the schools and community groups she’s visited. As an author, her business is quite different from other start-up models but it is impressive to see how she has worked to both promote her product and also the services she can deliver as an educator and consultant.
We’re proud to deliver Start Up South Tyneside on behalf of South Tyneside Council, providing an essential service to business owners like Mirabel.”
Find out more about Mirabel, food allergy safety and Zeb, Jet and the Ice-Cream Calamity here. The book can be purchased via Amazon here.
And if you’re thinking about starting a business of your own, TEDCO is here to help. Register here www.tedco.org
Start Up South Tyneside is a business Start up programme delivered by the TEDCO Business Support on behalf of South Tyneside Council which aims to support local residents with their aspirations to start up a business.
This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus