This Much We Know

S5 - Episode 6 - Crescent Cleaning

In this episode Simon and Murphy speak to Jordan Canter - Social Enterprise Manager for Crescent Cleaning based in Somerset. 

About Crescent Cleaning  

Crescent Cleaning Services founded by Arc, a charitable organisation who provide housing and support homeless people around Taunton in Somerset.

Arc are dedicated to helping those experiencing homelessness with every step of their journey and had witnessed many of their clients struggle when ready to access employment. This is down to a number of difficulties such as lacking recent work experience or feeling anxious about returning to work with no support mechanisms. 

Arc decided it was time for change and that those recovering from homelessness needed and deserved a positive pathway into employment. Crescent Cleaning Services was born.

Crescent Cleaning Services recruits individuals who have experienced homelessness and are ready to get back into work. With a staged employment approach, thorough training and sufficient support, Crescent Cleaning employees will not only be well equipped for their role but will have gained the skills and confidence to sustain long term employment. The enterprise provides professional cleaning services to a wide customer base.

Website: https://crescentcleaningservices.org.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crescent-cleaning-services/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crescent.cleaning/ 

About This Much We Know 

This Much We Know is a podcast from Homeless Link looking at the role of social enterprise in the homeless sector, with guest experienced social entrepreneurs and funders sharing their experiences, successes and their failures. 

Funded by Access, hosted by Murphy Hopkins-Hubbard, Enterprise and Investment Manager at Homeless link and Simon Pickering, Associate at Homeless Link. 

 

S5 - Episode 5 - HomeLess Made

In this episode Simon and Murphy speak to Michael Angus - Director of HomeLess Made in London. 

About Homeless Made  

HomeLess Made is a social enterprise created by Barons Court Project - the only drop in centre in Hammersmith and Fulham to support people living with homelessness or with mental health conditions. 

Barons Court’s guests create art together at the centre, as a way of tackling isolation. Some of these artists' work is so beautiful, they decided to try selling it on greetings cards, and were overwhelmed by the response! HomeLess Made was born. 

Even selling one card can bring a huge boost of self-esteem, which empowers an artist to take the next step in pursuing a creative career. HomeLess Made works with artists to create commercial opportunities for their artwork and offer the support they need to create their art - including materials and a safe, quiet space to work.

All profits made by HomeLess Made are split 50/50 between the artists and Barons Court Project. This empowers each artist to earn income for themselves, and raise funds for the services they use, and helps to ensure the sustainability of the HomeLess Made programme.

Website: https://homelessmade.co.uk/

Twitter: @homelessmade

Instagram: homelessmade_uk

 

About This Much We Know 

This Much We Know is a podcast from Homeless Link looking at the role of social enterprise in the homeless sector, with guest experienced social entrepreneurs and funders sharing their experiences, successes and their failures. 

Funded by Access, hosted by Murphy Hopkins-Hubbard, Enterprise and Investment Manager at Homeless link and Simon Pickering, Associate at Homeless Link. 

 

S5 - Episode 4 - Handcrafted

In this episode Simon and Murphy speak to Dan Northover - CEO of Handcrafted, a homelessness social enterprise based in the North East. 

About Handcrafted

Handcrafted aims to empower those who have been disadvantaged or faced social exclusion due to crime, alcohol or substance abuse, poor mental or physical health, unemployment, or having experienced abuse or been in the care system. Working with individuals to help them make positive steps to turn their lives around, be part of a community and start to give back.

Handcrafted provide:

• Tailored training opportunities and creative activities for individuals to build confidence, gain skills and work towards their goals.
• Holistic support that engages with individuals’ whole lives, helping them to build healthy coping strategies.
• Supported housing across the region, renovating properties to make valuable homes that our residents can be proud to call their own.
• A welcoming community, regardless of background, and helping them see the value they bring.

Handcrafted are motivated by the Christian values of love, restoration, and community. They deliver a huge range of positive outcomes for the people they support. They tailor their support to each individual’s specific needs, working alongside them to help them identify and take steps which move them towards transforming their own lives.

Website: https://handcrafted.org.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/handcrafted-projects/

Twitter: @HandcraftedDHM

About This Much We Know 

This Much We Know is a podcast from Homeless Link looking at the role of social enterprise in the homeless sector, with guest experienced social entrepreneurs and funders sharing their experiences, successes and their failures. 

Funded by Access, hosted by Murphy Hopkins-Hubbard, Enterprise and Investment Manager at Homeless link and Simon Pickering, Associate at Homeless Link. 

 

S5 - Episode 3 - Luminary Bakery

In this episode Simon and Murphy speak to Alice Williams - CEO of Luminary Bakery in London. 

About Luminary Bakery 

Luminary is an innovative response to a need they identified for women who have had a social and economic disadvantage. The social enterprise was designed to offer opportunities for women to build a future for themselves.

Providing a safe and professional environment where women can grow holistically – encouraging ambition, restoration and second chances. Luminary use baking as a tool to take women on a journey to employability and entrepreneurship, equipping them with transferable skills for the working world. Offering courses, work experience and paid employment within their bakery, empowering women to build their careers.

Luminary invest in and releasing the women to realise their dreams - through training, employment and community - they aim to break cycles of poverty, violence & disadvantage once and for all.

You can read more about Luminary’s social enterprise model and their Impact Report

Alice is shortly moving on from Luminary and they're looking for a new CEO to lead the work of Luminary - the job pack can be viewed here 

Website: https://luminarybakery.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/luminary-bakery/

Twitter: @LuminaryBakery

About This Much We Know 

This Much We Know is a podcast from Homeless Link looking at the role of social enterprise in the homeless sector, with guest experienced social entrepreneurs and funders sharing their experiences, successes and their failures. 

Funded by Access, hosted by Murphy Hopkins-Hubbard, Enterprise and Investment Manager at Homeless link and Simon Pickering, Associate at Homeless Link. 

 

S5 - Episode 2 - Beyond Food

In this episode Simon and Murphy speak to Jo Littman and Leon Seraphin from Beyond Food in London. Recorded at Redemption Roaster 's HQ  near London Kings Cross our thanks to the team there for hosting us. 

About Beyond Food 

Beyond Food are a charity providing life-changing opportunities to individuals whose lives have unravelled, and people who need vital support and inspiration to grab hold of their life, regardless of their current or past circumstances.

Beyond Food use food to remove barriers that inhibit individuals from securing financial independence, freedom from isolation, and confidence to build better futures.

Food plays a crucial role in helping people to live healthier lives, stand on their own two feet, and understand healthy life choices – both physically and mentally.

Learning life skills such as cooking provides the building blocks to create a life with purpose. We support & coach individuals whose lives have unravelled, for whatever reason, people often need reconnection, inspiration, and encouragement to enable them to aspire to meaningful employment or simply to continue on a positive pathway.

Website: https://beyondfood.org.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyondfooduk/

Twitter: beyondfooduk  

About This Much We Know 

This Much We Know is a podcast from Homeless Link looking at the role of social enterprise in the homeless sector, with guest experienced social entrepreneurs and funders sharing their experiences, successes and their failures. 

Funded by Access, hosted by Murphy Hopkins-Hubbard, Enterprise and Investment Manager at Homeless link and Simon Pickering, Associate at Homeless Link. 

 

S5 - Episode 1 - Redemption Roasters

In this episode, launching our fifth season Simon and Murphy speak to Max Dubiel - Founder and Levi Fernandez - Head of Impact at Redemption Roasters. Recorded at the office near London Kings Cross. 

About Redemption Roasters 

Redemption Roasters is a specialty coffee company with a unique approach to business. It was established in 2015 with the aim of rehabilitating offenders and reducing reoffending rates through training and employment opportunities in the coffee industry. The company has made a significant impact in the criminal justice system.

Redemption Roasters provide coffee training and employment to young offenders and prisoners. The company partners with prisons and operates its own roastery and coffee shops, both inside and outside of prison walls. By offering meaningful work and skills training, Redemption Roasters aim to equip individuals with the tools they need to reintegrate into society successfully.

Redemption Roasters’ training programme covers various aspects of the coffee industry, including coffee sourcing, roasting, brewing, and customer service.

Participants receive hands-on experience and the opportunity to earn professional qualifications recognised in the coffee industry. This comprehensive training helps them develop transferable skills.

Redemption Roasters sells its coffee products through its own coffee shops, online store, and wholesale partnerships. The company emphasises quality and ethically sourced coffee, working directly with coffee farmers and ensuring fair prices. By purchasing Redemption Roasters coffee, customers support the company's mission of providing second chances and reducing reoffending rates.

The approach taken by Redemption Roasters has gained recognition and praise for its positive social impact. It not only helps individuals with a criminal record find employment but also challenges the negative perceptions society often holds about ex-offenders. By focusing on rehabilitation and empowerment, Redemption Roasters strive to break the cycle of reoffending and create a more inclusive and supportive society.

https://www.redemptionroasters.com/

While you're reading this Redemption Roasters will be looking to raise funds to scale and increase their impact, if you're interested to know more please email: contact@redemptionroasters.com

About This Much We Know 

This Much We Know is a podcast from Homeless Link looking at the role of social enterprise in the homeless sector, with guest experienced social entrepreneurs and funders sharing their experiences, successes and their failures. 

Funded by Access, hosted by Murphy Hopkins-Hubbard, Enterprise and Investment Manager at Homeless link and Simon Pickering, Associate at Homeless Link. 

Bonus Episode - House of St Barnabas

In this episode, Simon and Murphy speak to Jig and Ollie from House of St Barnabas. This is a bonus episode before we launch Season 5.

About House of St Barnabas 

The House of St. Barnabas is a place where compassion, community, and social change converge. Nestled in the heart of London off Soho Square. The organisation is committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness and supporting individuals on their journey towards stability, empowerment, and a brighter future.

Established with a rich history dating back to 1846, the House of St. Barnabas has evolved from a charitable foundation into a vibrant and progressive social enterprise. Our mission is to create a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, irrespective of their background or circumstances.

At the core of their work is our unique members' club, which seamlessly combines social impact and exclusive experiences. Their members come from diverse backgrounds, representing a broad range of industries and they share a common desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Integral to their mission is the Employment Academy, a pioneering initiative that provides individuals affected by homelessness with training, mentoring, and real work experience. Through the Academy, they empower our participants to develop essential skills, regain confidence and ultimately secure sustainable employment. 

Working closely with partners in the corporate sector to offer a range of vocational opportunities, enabling our members to access meaningful careers and regain their independence.

Website: https://hosb.org.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostbarnabas/

Twitter: @HoStBarnabas

About This Much We Know 

This Much We Know is a podcast from Homeless Link looking at the role of social enterprise in the homeless sector, with guest experienced social entrepreneurs and funders sharing their experiences, successes and their failures. 

Funded by Access, hosted by Murphy Hopkins-Hubbard, Enterprise and Investment Manager at Homeless link and Simon Pickering, Associate at Homeless Link. 

 

S4 - Episode 6 - Bike Works CIC

In this episode, Simon and Murphy speak to Zoe Portlock - Co-founder of Bikework CIC. This is grand finale of Season 4 of This Much We Know is focussed upon women led social enterprises.

About Bikeworks  

Bikeworks believe everyone should have access to cycling to increase physical activity, wellbeing, and connectivity, with environmental impact interwoven throughout.

Bikeworks was established as a social enterprise back in 2006 in the heart of London’s east end. 

Founding partners Zoe Portlock and Jim Blakemore created the original vision for Bikeworks, inspired by London winning the bid to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, seeing this as a chance to seize the opportunity for excluded people and the wider community.

Over the years Bikeworks continues to prove itself an agile and responsive organisation, evolving its social business model in response to the needs of our beneficiaries, achieving more impact year-on-year, actively collaborating with other partners and stakeholders to achieve this. 

Having started life in the living room of the founding partners, moving from location-to-location over the years, including warehouses to shop fronts, by 2018 Bikeworks had reduced the number of its physical locations across London to move towards a more flexible mobile outreach model.

Significantly this marked a key milestone in our journey so far, when Bikeworks moved into its new home in the Lee Valley VeloPark on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park realising the vision contained within the original Bikeworks business plan, titled “Olympic Bikes”. 

Find out more about Bikeworks: 

https://www.bikeworks.org.uk/

Follow them on Twitter

Connect with Zoe here on LinkedIn 

About This Much We Know 

This Much We Know is a podcast from Homeless Link looking at the role of social enterprise in the homeless sector, with guest experienced social entrepreneurs and funders sharing their experiences, successes and their failures. 

Funded by Access, hosted by Murphy Hopkins-Hubbard, Enterprise and Investment Manager at Homeless link and Simon Pickering, Associate at Homeless Link. 

 

S4 - Episode 5 - Dechomai - Bayile Adeoti

In this episode, Simon and Murphy speak to Bayile Adeoti - Founder of Dechomai. Season 4 of This Much We Know is focussed upon women led social enterprises. 

About Dechomai

Dechomai are a social enterprise passionate about empowering ethnic minority women with leadership and enterprise skills.

Dechomai's mission is to stimulate a vibrant entrepreneurship eco-system within Ethnic minority communities. Dechomai offer a variety of courses which equip current and future entrepreneurs with knowledge related to all things establishing and running a business as well as gaining and keeping the entrepreneurial mindset needed for success.

Check them out here:

https://dechomai.co.uk/

@dechomaiLtd

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dechomai-ltd/

Connect with Bayile on LinkedIn here

About This Much We Know 

This Much We Know is a podcast from Homeless Link looking at the role of social enterprise in the homeless sector, with guest experienced social entrepreneurs and funders sharing their experiences, successes and their failures. 

Funded by Access, hosted by Murphy Hopkins-Hubbard, Enterprise and Investment Manager at Homeless link and Simon Pickering, Associate at Homeless Link. 

 

S4 - Episode 4 - Strawberry Lemonade Events - Sian Downes

In this episode, Simon and Murphy speak to Sian Downes - Founder of Strawberry Lemonade Events , UK. Season 4 of This Much We Know is focussed upon women led social enterprises. 

About Strawberry Lemonade Events

Strawberry Lemonade Events is a corporate event agency running a host of events including the Edinburgh Yoga Festival and Bordering on Wild Sports Film Festival.

Strawberry Lemonade Events is an agency like no other. It is proudly Scotland’s leading “Event for Change” social enterprise, training, recruiting and mentoring people facing social exclusion issues such as homelessness and mental health challenges to gain experience and employment in the industry.

Check them out here:

@lemonadetweets

https://strawberrylemonadeevents.com/ 

Connect with Sian on LinkedIn here

About This Much We Know 

This Much We Know is a podcast from Homeless Link looking at the role of social enterprise in the homeless sector, with guest experienced social entrepreneurs and funders sharing their experiences, successes and their failures. 

Funded by Access, hosted by Murphy Hopkins-Hubbard, Enterprise and Investment Manager at Homeless link and Simon Pickering, Associate at Homeless Link.