Member updates

The award-winning service for adults with disabilities, Nickel Support, and their unique retail project, Interestingly Different, have started a brand new, revolutionary and bespoke retail training programme in order to address the shocking situation around employment opportunities and support for adults with learning disabilities and Autism.  Meet Charlie. Charlie is an amazing young woman with not only a smile for everyone she meets, but she also has a huge amount of potential, with a strong drive to work and have a purpose. However, Charlie also has a learning disability - which means that her ambition and goals are often met by hurdles and challenges. When Charlie started attending Nickel Support 9 years ago she struggled with confidence in communicating, and lacked support to achieve her potential. Throughout her time at Nickel Support, Charlie has grown in confidence and in her self belief, and has proven just how much adults with learning disabilities can achieve when they are given the chance to shine. She is now one of the trainees who is in paid employment at Interestingly Different, which forms the retail branch of Nickel Support.  Interestingly Different re-launched in 2023 opening their beautiful shop in Carshalton and introducing their online shop. They are a gift and homeware store with a difference - selling an incredible selection of high quality gifts, homewares, gift boxes and corporate gifting options from more than 30 social enterprises. However, Interestingly Different’s core goal is to provide training and employment opportunities for their trainees, all of whom have faced the same hurdles and barriers as Charlie, and to enable them to lead a purposeful and fulfilled life.  Since the re-launch, the team realised more needed to be done to provide training and employment opportunities - especially as government initiatives such as the Access to Work scheme, have lengthy, climbing waiting lists. Hence they set about creating an adaptable training programme to ensure that trainees gain necessary skills for employment. The programme was created in-house, and incorporates a variety of visual, written and audio materials in order to break down the barriers seen in mainstream training. It is delivered on a one-to-one basis, by trained Support Workers who not only understand learning disabilities, but who get to know each trainee, meaning they can tailor the training to their individual needs.  The training course has been set up with a true sense of urgency, as the employment situation for adults with learning disabilities and autism is shocking. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions recently comissioned The Buckland Review, in order to identify the barriers to autistic people securing and fulfilling employment. Published in February 2024, the report found that  “despite their wish to work, the latest official statistics show that only around 3 in 10 working age autistic disabled people are in employment.” And worse yet, we know from other sources that only 5.1% of adults with all types of learning disabilities in England are in paid work.  The Buckland Review found what Nick Walsh and Elena Nicola, co-founders of Nickel Support have long known - there is a wide range of potential barriers to work for autistic people [the same applies to people with any learning disability]. Even after finding work, maintaining long-term employment remains a challenge. Many do not receive the necessary support or adjustments to enable them to fulfil their role in the face of inaccessible sensory and social environments.  The current reality is sad and shocking, but Nickel Support and Interestingly Different are proud to see a positive impact even in the early stages of this project. When asked how she feels about the new training programme, Charlie commented, “The training I’ve already had has given me the self belief and confidence to work. I used to find it hard talking to customers, but now I feel confident to do that.  I am excited to start the new training programme because I think it is going to help me and the other trainees to learn new valuable skills”. There are currently five Interestingly Different trainees in paid employment, a number they intend to increase as they roll out the training programme.  Seeing Interestingly Different trainees embark upon their training is truly a wonderful thing - you can really sense that this is a place where they are valued, and are being equipped with vital skills for the workplace. Elena Nicola, says, “Seeing the trainees being given the opportunity to expand their knowledge, gain skills and move on to potential employment is so exciting, especially when all the evidence, and our first hand experience, shows that this is not something that is currently happening regularly in society. Sadly our story should not be news, but currently what we are doing really isn’t the norm. We eagerly look forward to the day when it is, and will not stop working to achieve that.”  Interestingly Different sources and sells a wide range of products from over 33 other UK based social enterprises, all of whom are working with adults with disabilities or facing life challenges.  Interestingly Different is open Monday - Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and their  website, https://interestinglydifferent.co.uk/ not only sells their full product range, but also offers a fantastic insight to the work that they do. They also work with corporate clients providing monthly subscriptions of office supplies such as tea and coffee, alongside making gift hampers for staff and clients. Each and every purchase helps towards the greater goal of an inclusive society where adults with disabilities are able to meet their potential and live a purposeful and fulfilled life. Interestingly Different was one of the Small Biz Saturday’s top 100 small businesses in the UK in 2023, and has since also been named as one of Theo Paphitis’s Small Business Sunday Winners. 

The UK’s leading leisure and cultural charitable staff-owned trust, which runs services under the Better brand, is due to start an exciting new 10 year partnership with Newham Council that promises to increase physical activity levels and improve the customer experience for residents in one of London’s fastest growing boroughs.  Newham Council is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of residents, as outlined in the local authority’s ‘Building a Fairer Newham’ objectives, to make the borough healthier and to support people to age well. This is particularly in relation to improving life expectancy; increasing satisfaction with services and reducing loneliness and isolation. Maximising the use of our leisure assets and green spaces provides a huge opportunity to impact on the wider determinants of health.  Not-for-profit GLL will use its wealth of experience and socially purposed business model to enhance the leisure service – investing in grassroots sports, facilities and accessible activities to improve life in the borough - for existing and new customers. Councillor Neil Wilson, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care said: “Our new partner GLL shares our ambition to achieve sustainable results in addressing health inequities through increasing activity levels and improving the overall well-being of our residents. “This change will benefit all of us. It aligns with our corporate priorities; 50 Steps to a Healthier Newham (2024-2027), the Well Newham approach and more generally, our values of putting people at the heart of everything we do. “I look forward to seeing what the future brings but there is no doubt, the health and wellbeing of all residents will, as always, be a central focus.” Peter Bundey, CEO of GLL said: "We are very much looking forward to bringing Newham's customers and colleagues back into the GLL family and sharing the benefits of our socially purposed business model through this return to a long-term partnership with Newham Council - a dynamic and forward-thinking borough. "In addition to helping local residents get more active and offering staff great training and development, we will be extending opportunities to talented local athletes through our annual GLL Sport Foundation Awards - now in their 16th year." “We look forward to working with the staff of activeNewham who have operated these community facilities for the last 10 years.” Beyond the centres, the contract will also support residents to be active in community settings, including green spaces, as part of the Active Communities programme – as well as supporting the 50 Steps to a Healthier Newham strategy. Leisure service users will initially notice 'GLL' and ‘Better’ branding appearing in centres and an enhancement to the look and feel going forward to enhance the customer experience. Bookings will be available seven days in advance on the Better_uk app.  Further details of the transfer are being communicated with customers and staff in the forthcoming days. For more information, visit: activeNewham : Leisure Transfer www.better.org.uk  https://www.gllsportfoundation.org

Spectrum Community Health CIC proudly announces its collaboration with Hestia and their UK SAYS NO MORE campaign, through the launch of the Online Safe Spaces initiative. This groundbreaking project, which debuts on International Women's Day, marks a significant milestone in the fight against domestic abuse. In today's digital era, the need for safe online environments is more crucial than ever, especially for those affected by domestic abuse. Shocking statistics reveal that 1 in 5 adults experience domestic abuse during their lifetime, with women and men both affected, making it a pervasive issue in society. Last year alone, 2.4 million adults in the UK fell victim to domestic abuse. Recognising this urgent need, Spectrum is proud to join forces with Hestia to address this critical issue head-on. The Online Safe Spaces initiative introduces a secure haven within Spectrum Community Health CIC's website and staff intranet, providing individuals with a discreet pathway to support, and resources related to domestic abuse. This innovative tool, already adopted by major national websites such as the Post Office, British Gas, and TSB, ensures 100% confidentiality, leaving no internet history. It is free to install and use, offering a lifeline to those in need. Linda Harris, Chief Executive at Spectrum, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "Our collaboration with Hestia marks a significant milestone in combating domestic abuse. By joining forces and implementing Online Safe Spaces, we're taking a bold step forward in providing expert support services to victims in need. This initiative not only ensures accessibility but also offers a sense of security and confidentiality crucial for those navigating such sensitive situations. It's about empowering victims, ensuring they know they're not alone, and that help is just a click away." Incorporating Online Safe Spaces into organisational websites is not just a corporate responsibility, but a vital step in breaking the silence surrounding domestic abuse. The Online Safe Spaces webpage offers a wealth of information and resources, accessible discreetly and in multiple languages. With features like a quick exit function and non-appearance in browsing history, it prioritises the safety of those seeking support. Sarah Dodds, Head of Marketing at Spectrum, emphasised the organisation's commitment to promoting health and wellbeing in vulnerable communities. She stated, "At Spectrum, we believe in providing quality healthcare for all, regardless of circumstances. Our dedication to excellence extends to initiatives like the UK SAYS NO MORE campaign and Online Safe Spaces, as we strive to create safe environments both physically and digitally." Spectrum Community Health CIC encourages those affected by domestic violence to access their Online Safe Spaces, found at the bottom of their website pages, or through partner organisations within the UK SAYS NO MORE campaign. About Spectrum Community Health CIC Spectrum Community Health CIC provides quality healthcare interventions for people in vulnerable circumstances. We work in partnership to provide primary care, substance misuse and sexual health services, in the community and in secure environments including prisons, hospitals and immigration centres. As a not-for-profit social business, we are committed to addressing health inequalities and investing in the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. spectrum-cic.org.uk

Morgan Sindall Construction have completed work on the Elm building at Oxford Brookes University’s Clive Booth Student Village. The Elm building is one of four buildings being created as part of the first phase of the redevelopment of the University’s accommodating site, delivering 515 new en-suite rooms and social spaces for the 2024/25 academic year. Handed over to the University ahead of Semester Two of the current academic year, the Elm building can provide up to 98 students with sustainable and attractive accommodation as part of Oxford Brookes’ Headington Campus. As part of the fit-out at the student accommodation site, Morgan Sindall and the University worked collaboratively with social enterprise RAW and the scheme’s architects Mica to produce a high quality design. RAW have delivered the first 14 sets of an overall project of 80 stylish RAW 300 range benches and tables in the communal kitchen areas – with tops all made of 100% recycled domestic appliances.  RAW is a social enterprise that specialises in making high-quality, sustainable indoor and outdoor furniture in Oxford that has both social and environmental value. RAW employs people who have overcome some of life’s most adverse scenarios, with 70% of its workforce having fought and won against challenges including addiction, mental health issues, and criminality previously. RAW prides itself on the high quality of its products and services, which in turn tackles prejudice and preconceptions of what people who’ve had diverse experiences can become and achieve. United with their embedded social value the RAW 300 range sets also deliver on sustainability goals. They are designed incorporating tops that are 100% recycled and 100% recyclable. Using the internal plastic from domestic fridges destined for waste, the RAW 300 delivers a more sustainable, attractive and hard wearing option. Alongside the new furnishings, RAW’s Recycling Service has also collected offcuts from construction from the Morgan Sindall site. 50% of the waste collected is then given a second life by RAW in products or resold to the local community. The Morgan Sindall team have purchased picnic benches and upcycled office chairs from RAW for their own use. Steve Vaux, Operations Director for Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “The redevelopment of Clive Booth Student Village was created to make a sustainable and social home-from-home for students, so RAW was a natural fit when it came to furnishing the interior. It’s great to work with such an inspirational social enterprise which has a profound social impact in the immediate area. The furniture is exceptional, and we can’t wait for the students to enjoy them.” “The fact that our social principles are closely aligned with Oxford Brookes University and RAW really supercharged our collaborative partnership. The project’s success is a great showcase for the various ways a development can generate benefits for the local area, as not only were we engaging the local supply chain, with RAW situated very close to the site, but we provided valuable opportunities and support to people from the local area with challenging backgrounds. What’s more, by using recycled materials we’re driving down the building’s carbon footprint to provide a truly sustainable environment for students and the local community.”  Mark Tugwell, Deputy Director of Estates & Campus Services at Oxford Brookes University, said: "We partnered with RAW due to their high-quality furniture, commitment to sustainably sourced materials, and inspirational social impact which continues to change lives. For a project as important as the redevelopment of Clive Booth Student Village, we are ensuring that the living spaces for our students are of the highest quality. RAW worked closely with us to ensure their final product met this standard and I am sure students will love the furniture and the fact that it is made out of old domestic appliances." Rick Mower, Managing Director of RAW said: “The commitment from Morgan Sindall and the team at Oxford Brookes University to truly embed social and sustainability value at scale has been inspiring. At RAW we set out to prove, by the quality of our products and services, that a person’s past doesn’t define them and this project has been a perfect platform to do that. It highlights that visionary and determined leadership on the client and main contractor side is what ultimately makes the difference, powering real change in society with no compromises on project delivery.”

A leading social investor, Key Fund, is actively seeking to support social entrepreneurs from ethnic minorities. Key Fund, which operates across the North and the Midlands, offers investment (loans and grants) between £5,000-£300,000 to social enterprises in some of the most deprived communities. The move is in response to ongoing research from the Black United Representation Network (BURN) that shows only a fraction of ethnic minority businesses in Manchester are accessing and securing investment. The groundbreaking study concluded productivity could be boosted by almost £4bn in the Manchester region alone, if steps were taken to dismantle the barriers Black and Asian business leaders face. One million of the six million businesses in the UK are minority owned, yet people from minority groups face greater exclusion from the financial system, according to the Minority Businesses Matter Report*. Key Fund began in South Yorkshire in 1999 in response to the collapse of the coal and steel industries. A social enterprise itself, it was founded by like-minded social entrepreneurs and philanthropists to breathe life back into its communities, by supporting new enterprise. Matt Smith, CEO of Key Fund, said: “Key Fund has a long history of reaching the most disadvantaged places, but we’re aware the most marginalised groups in these places have traditionally been unable to access finance. Our mission to create successful communities can’t work if there are people still left behind. There is a profound need, and we have to step up to meet it.” Key Fund supports social or community organisations who work to create positive social or environmental impact, as well as profit. To date, Key Fund has awarded £49.4m in loans and £23.3m in grants, creating or sustaining 3,000 businesses, and over 4,000 jobs, with a total £370m impact. Matt added: “At Key Fund, we pride ourselves in getting the right money, into the right hands, at the right time. We need to do more to address shocking discrimination. If you’re a social entrepreneur who has been turned down by your bank, or struggled with cultural or language barriers, our door is open. Please talk to us.” Barriers include discrimination, and the lack of customised business and application support, delivered by diverse providers. Dr Marilyn Comrie OBE, an award-winning social entrepreneur and founder of BURN, said: “Understanding the specific barriers that ethnic minorities face is a crucial first step in creating solutions that can overcome long-standing racial inequities. We’re thrilled Key Fund as leaders in the social investment sector, has recognised this issue, and look forward to working with them to help our economy be one where all can thrive.” Key Fund’s commitment to inclusivity will feature a series of workshops aimed at ethnic minority social entrepreneurs, offering translation services as required. It is actively championing its existing BAME clients in the hope to inspire others. Key Fund investees in the last year include Highway Hope in Manchester, which has grown into a social enterprise hub, with discount food stores, a beauty salon for ethnic minorities, IT hub, re-use furniture store and educational programmes. Key Fund invested £19,200 in loan and £5,800 grant in 2023 to help its CEO, Esther Oludipe, develop its community café. It also invested in Toranj Tuition to allow them to purchase their own building and become more sustainable. Established by three Iranian nationals in Hull twenty years ago, it supports qualified migrants to re-enter their professions in the UK, and runs educational programmes for children from deprived backgrounds. Other recent investees include Newcastle’s Africawad, founded by asylum seeker Afi Dometi, which supports over 20 women into education or employment in the UK each year, and saves 300,000 kilos of unwanted clothes from landfill thekeyfund.co.uk * MSDUK (minoritybusinessesmatter.org) To access the BURN Barriers to Inclusion report for Greater Manchester go to: BarierstoInclusionReportJanuary2024.pdf - Google Drive

It’s estimated that up to 15% of the UK’s population are neurodiverse1. Yet across society, many systems including education, employment, health and social services are built around everyone being neurotypical. The good news is that more businesses and start-ups are working on inspirational products and services that want to change this balance, creating a more accessible and fair society for all. And we want to help them grow and succeed. Allia’s next Impact Accelerator is designed for impact start-ups that are creating solutions around neurodiversity and physical disability. These could be tech solutions or social innovations that address challenges experienced by people living with disabilities (such as software/hardware assistive technologies for neurodiverse conditions or mobility impairment, sensory impaired disorder, chronic pain, etc).  What is Allia’s Accelerator? If you think your start-up or charity would benefit from intensive support for 5 months, with business experts advising and coaching every step of the way – then read on! Allia’s Accelerator offers award-winning business support for late pre-seed or seed start-ups with 1-1 coaching and mentoring tailored to your venture’s needs, and introductions to appropriate investors – with expert-led workshops, including business modelling, marketing, fundraising and pitching. The programme culminates in a Demo Day which is specifically curated for impact driven funds & investors. The successful ventures, after a series of pitch practices through the programme, will pitch to an audience of impact investors (angels, VCs, family offices), advisors, start-up founders and stakeholders in the impact space.  Who is eligible for this support? Start-ups will have an MVP (minimum viable product), should be able to demonstrate traction with their product and business, and be ready to develop the next stage of growth in their business. Ideally, founders will be able to travel to London occasionally to benefit from in-person interactions – however, we recognise that not all participants may be able to travel, and if this is the case, please share details in the application form. We understand that in person interactions may not be ideal for everyone so please understand that we will aim to be flexible for all taking part. Above all, we prioritise genuine and authentic engagement in the programme and with our team, and want to welcome everyone who thinks they will benefit from participation in the programme. Applications close on 6 February – and the programme will launch 28 February. Please get in touch with any questions and if you need any advice related to your application, please contact hello@alliaimpact.co.uk or read more about the programme and apply at https://futurebusinesscentre.co.uk/programmes/allia-impact-accelerator-diversity-and-disability-inclusion/ 1 https://adhdaware.org.uk/what-is-adhd/neurodiversity-and-other-conditions/

Leading community dental provider, CDS CIC has been piloting a treatment programme for people with Severe Multiple Disadvantage (SMD) and/or homelessness. The pilot is a partnership between CDS and the East Midlands Primary Care Team, working on behalf of five Integrated Care Boards in the Midlands. The CDS Mobile Dental Clinic has been visiting locations in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire that offer established services for people who are homeless. Patients are supported to attend appointments in an environment they are familiar with for check-ups and follow-up treatment. People experiencing SMD and homelessness face many barriers to accessing oral health care and experience higher levels of dental carries and periodontal disease than the general population. Poor oral health is linked to a decreased quality of life among these patients, compounding issues such as poor diet and substance misuse to alleviate pain. 36% of people who are homeless have accessed A&E services due to oral health related pain*. People who are homeless can often feel ashamed and embarrassed to attend a dental practice full of people, fearing that they will be judged as well as facing difficulty finding and registering with a dentist without a fixed address. The pilot been specifically designed around the needs of this patient group, with the mobile dental clinic attending places they are already familiar with and trust. Nicola Milner, Chief Operating Officer for CDS in the Midlands, said: ‘We know people who are homeless have multiple problems with their oral health. They find it incredibly difficult to access the care they need experiencing pain, frequently visiting A&E or even resorting to taking out teeth themselves. We worked closely with people who support this group of patients, and we are becoming known and trusted. It is fantastic that we can provide a positive experience for patients who may not have had good experiences accessing dental care before and to relieve their pain and embarrassment associated with their teeth.’ So far, the mobile clinic has seen 145 patients at twice weekly sessions which are also an opportunity to signpost to other services, such as smoking cessation and drug and alcohol support. The mobile clinic is equipped to provide a full range of dental treatment. Feedback from patients has been overwhelmingly positive: “I think this service is invaluable to me. I have not been to a dentist for several years. My teeth are a state from years of drug abuse and being beaten up while living rough on the streets. The dentist was very kind and put me at ease while looking at my teeth and guided me through the process/appointments. This is the beginning of the new me. Thank you so much.”  “I cannot thank the dentist enough for the support they have shown me. The dentist was non-judgemental towards me, as I was living in a tent in Derbyshire for over 2 years. To be honest, my teeth were the last thing on my mind, but looking back, my teeth are one of the first things other people see. I know that I would have never gone to a dentist surgery as I am far too embarrassed.” The pilot began in June and is set to continue for 12 months. ENDS Notes to editor: *Reference: Healthy Mouths. A peer-led health audit on the oral health of People experiencing homelessness. Groundswell 2017 available at www.groundswell.org.uk

The UK’s largest independent athlete support programme – the GLL Sport Foundation Awards – closes its application window on 20 February. Talented athletes from 65 areas across the UK are invited to apply for a range of support awards which include financial help, access to sport facilities, physiotherapy, lifestyle mentoring and mental health aid. Now in its 15th year of operation, the GLL Sport Foundation has so far contributed over £14m and distributed 26,000 awards to support young talented athletes on their sporting journey. The innovative scheme is provided by charitable social enterprise GLL and a number of partner sponsors and expects to award £1.2m worth of help in 2024 for successful applicants. Already a popular and essential support programme for athletes, the Foundation is expecting heightened athlete interest as training costs, equipment purchases, strength & conditioning costs and travel costs continue to rise.   All successful applicants will be given access to the 250 sport and leisure facilities across the UK operated by GLL under its “Better” trading brand. Applications opened on 20 December 2023 and are available until 20 February 2024. The award application announcement for 2024 was made at the York Stadium Leisure Complex which comprises the LNER Community Stadium and York Leisure Centre.  Both of the co-located venues are run by GLL and now add their world class facilities to those that can be used by GSF athletes in training – including Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s Copper Box Arena, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s White Water Centre, Ice Centre and VeloPark; and Manchester’s Aquatics Centre and National Cycling Centre. The LNER Community Stadium will be hosting matches for the Rugby World Cup 2025 as well as resident teams York City FC and York Knights RLFC. Over the past 16 years, GLL Sport Foundation supported athletes have excelled in major competitions and have gained 76 Olympic and Paralympic medals and 77 Commonwealth Games medals. Previous holders of GSF awards include Darryl Neita (athletics), Anna Hursey (table tennis), Charlotte Worthington (BMX), Alex Yee (triathlon), boxers Anthony Joshua, Aiden and Michaela Walsh, divers Tom Daley, Matty Lee and Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, swimmers Tully Kearney, Susie Rodgers, Tom Dean and Ellie Simmons. It has always however been a core mission of the programme to support young emerging talent on their sporting journey, with the majority of athletes aged under the age of 21 and the largest cohort under 18 years old. Across the programme, 87% of athletes receive no other funding or athlete support, which underlines the importance of the scheme to both athletes and GLL’s social values. Commenting on the closing of the application window for the GSF Awards 2024, Peter Bundey, GLL Sport Foundation Chair, said: “There’s still time for talented athletes across the country to apply for our awards and take advantage of a unique opportunity to reach their sporting potential. “Previous athletes tell us the awards provide a lifeline to individuals who want to compete at the highest level as well as helping local communities discover the opportunities and enrichment that comes through sport.” Applications are open until 20th February 2024 via the website portal – www.gllsportfoundation.org GSF supported para tennis player Lily Mills, 23, from Islington said: “I’m really excited about the new round of GSF Awards - for all young athletes out there like me, these awards can make a huge difference to us staying in training and competing at the highest level.”