The plight of freelancers is being celebrated in an online event today as the coronavirus pandemic continues its economic grip.

Annie Brown runs Hello My PA – a virtual business assistant company. Based at Caerphilly business centre Welsh ICE, the mother-of-two founded Freelance Heroes as a way for workers to network and celebrate their successes.

As the UK Government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme begins to be rolled out earlier than planned, there is a growing concern that freelancers are at acute financial risk, with many seeing their incomes stop overnight.

According to the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed, there are an estimated 80,000 freelancers in Wales.

Annie, who co-founded Freelance Heroes with social media trainer Ed Goodman in 2016, said: “We’ve seen a stark divide in outcomes amongst our freelance community. There are those in the group that have seen their calendars wiped empty seemingly overnight, whilst others are struggling to cope with the demand from businesses looking to make use of those already accustomed to remote working.

“It’s also important to remember that unlike those in formal employment, for many freelancers if there is no-one to invoice at the end of the month then their income stops immediately.

“Whilst the income support scheme will eventually help, there are many that will be considering how they pay their mortgage long-term, as the uncertainty and knock-on effect of Covid-19 restrictions continues across the year.

“It’s why we feel freelancers and the self-employed need to rally together now more than ever.”

One freelancer who has benefited from being a part of the online Freelance Heroes community is Jen Harding, an illustrator and owner of Danger Doodles based in Caerphilly.

Jen said: “Having a safe and supportive place to ask questions, share advice, and network with other like-minded people has been incredibly helpful.

“Knowing that someone else in the group has either had the same problem as you or is going through it themselves, means you always have someone to help solve things with.”

Freelance Heroes was founded in 2016 with the aim of connecting freelancers across the country, so they can share advice, guidance, resources and experience.

Freelancers, and those who work with freelancers, are being asked to share their personal stories online today using the hashtag #FreelanceHeroesDay.