CHERIE Blair famously had one, and a whole host of other celebrities are hiring them - now the people of Worcester can also take advantage of a lifestyle coach.

Lifeskills, a new firm in Blackpole Road, Worcester, is offering people who want to make the most of their lives their own equivalent of Cherie Blair's Carole Caplin.

Targeted at people who are aged 40 or above, the company aims to make the mid-life years "the most fulfilling of your life".

"We often under-estimate the impact of life transitions such as children leaving home, alterations in the work-life balance, issues with elderly parents, and the lead-up to retirement and beyond," said Lifeskills coach Derek Fearnside.

"Many people find they experience powerful upheavals at some point in the 40-60 year age range, and may feel dissatisfaction with their lives and a sense of lost opportunities.

"There may be a fear of diminished options in the future, and of growing older in an ageist society where youth is worshipped.

"Older people now need to put much more careful thought and preparation into leading a full and successful life in the future, over and above financial security.

"Retirement itself can bring boredom and disillusionment if inadequate plans have been made to manage the transition between a busy work career and the new lifestyle in retirement.

"However, what people have to realise is that these can provide an enormous impetus to change and develop in ways which may have seemed impossible at an earlier age.

"We can help people enjoy life with purpose, balance, and fulfilment."

Derek, a qualified social worker, has been helping people change their lives for more than 30 years.

He worked as a practitioner, manager and trainer in social care agencies and an alcohol agency, and is also involved in various health education programmes.

Lifeskills can offer one-on-one coaching or group development. For more information call 01905 754334, or e-mail derek@derekfearnside.wanadoo.co.uk