Creating Inclusive Opportunities for all to thrive

Our initial focus was on supported employment, and aiding development of employability skills. However, we soon learnt that these skills form just one part of the picture. We have consistently found that a crucial and often-overlooked barrier to overcome is a lack of confidence and self-belief, together with the effects of societal stigmas towards our beneficiaries. We take a holistic approach, with a range of bespoke programmes to help people with each target area of progression, each one amplifying the effects of the others. These include not just employability and skills projects, but also an array of social inclusion and community outreach programmes.

Upon seeing a sharp rise in foodbank referrals over the Covid pandemic, we further expanded to address issues of food poverty as well. Today, our “Sandy’s Special” project provides hundreds of free meals each year, no questions asked, to anyone who attends our café seeking support, together with hygiene packs, advice, signposting, and referrals. Our #LetsEatTogether events similarly work to provide free meals, but with an added focus on tackling isolation on national holidays such as Christmas Day. Each of these events consists of a themed dinner, entertainment, and fun activities, bringing together isolated people from throughout the community.