This Much We Know

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, Simon and Murphy speak to Michelle Langan - Founder of Paper Cup Project in Liverpool, UK. Season 4 of This Much We Know is focussed upon women led social enterprises. About Paper Cup Project Paper Cup Project is a Liverpool based charity which supports local rough sleepers & people experiencing homelessness. The Paper Cup Coffee shop opened in February 2022 and they have a brilliant story to tell. Check them out here: @papercupLPL https://papercupproject.org 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.

In this episode, Simon and Murphy speak to Rebecca White - CEO at Your Own Place CIC. Season 4 of This Much We Know is focussed upon women led social enterprises. Connect with Rebecca on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-white-b2817566/ About Your Own Place CIC Your Own Place was founded by Rebecca White in 2013. Rebecca comes from a secondary teaching background, having worked in homelessness, prisons and commissioning, Rebecca is passionate about equality, people, their potential and those facing most systemic barriers. Observing during her career a gap in empathic, values-based and really good quality workshops for people getting in their home and moving to independence, Your Own Place was born. Eight years later and Your Own Place has worked with over 850 people, trained over 300 volunteers and is not short of partners, ideas and passion. Your Own Place's aim is to be the stand-out enterprise preventing homelessness with evidence-based and high quality facilitation that people from all backgrounds and stages in life want to be a part of. 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. https://www.yourownplace.org.uk https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-own-place-cic/

In this episode, Simon and Murphy speak to Elysha Paige - Programme Manager at Bloody Good Employers. Season 4 of This Much We Know is focussed upon women led social enterprises. Connect with Elysha on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elysha-paige-0605a7125/ 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. About Bloody Good Employers Bloody Good Employers are on a mission to create fairer, safer workplaces for employees, and for all people who menstruate. Offering support and education for employers who are committed to promoting equality, diversity and the rights of all workers to be treated fairly. https://www.bloodygoodemployers.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/bloodygoodperiod/ About We Spark As mentioned in the podcast here's a link to We Spark: https://www.wespeak.co/ We Speak runs programmes for young people from under-represented backgrounds who lack speaking confidence, as well as stand alone workshops. We work with students at schools, sixth form colleges and universities.

In this episode, Simon and Murphy speak to Liz Choonara - Head of Entrepreneurship at Crisis. 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. Season 3 of This Much We Know our guests are all individuals working for funders and investors in the social enterprise sector. Funded by Access, hosted by Murphy Hopkins-Hubbard, Enterprise and Investment Manager at Homeless link and Simon Pickering, Associate at Homeless Link. About Liz Choonara Liz Choonara leads the Enterprise & Innovation team at Crisis the national charity for homelessness and is responsible for its commercial activities. In 2020, she founded the Venture Studio from Crisis with colleagues to accelerate an end to homelessness through entrepreneurship. The Venture Studio invests, builds, grows startups that can support its mission and give grants to people experiencing homelessness to startup businesses. She previously worked with deep tech and science startups at Imperial College London. Whilst there she founded its successful women's entrepreneurship programme WE Innovate and has spoken increasing diversity and inclusion in tech internationally. About Crisis Crisis work directly with thousands of homeless people every year. They provide vital help so that people can rebuild their lives and are supported out of homelessness for good. Offering one to one support, advice and courses for homeless people in 12 areas across England, Scotland and Wales. Using research to find out how best to improve homeless services, and find wider solutions to homelessness.

In this episode, Simon and Murphy speak to Ishita Ranjan - Senior Project Manager. 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. Season 3 of This Much We Know our guests are all individuals working for funders and investors in the social enterprise sector. Funded by Access, hosted by Murphy Hopkins-Hubbard, Enterprise and Investment Manager at Homeless link and Simon Pickering, Associate at Homeless Link. About Good Finance Good Finance is a collaborative project to help improve access to information on social investment for charities and social enterprises. In recognition that social investment can often be confusing and difficult to navigate. In 2016 key representative from social enterprises, charity and social investment sectors came together to launch Good Finance an initiative to help tackle this barrier for social sector organisations. About Spark & Co Spark and Co. is a Community Interest Company that provides education, information & connection for people in the UK. Their work supports people disproportionately affected by both the Covid-19 crisis and systemic inequality.

In this episode, Simon and Murphy speak to Tim Coomer - Business Development Manager at Coop Finance. Tim brings a wealth of insight, knowledge and experience of working in community finance, the social enterprise sector and community owned pubs ! 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. Season 3 of This Much We Know our guests are all individuals working for funders and investors in the social enterprise sector. Funded by Access, hosted by Murphy Hopkins-Hubbard, Enterprise and Investment Manager at Homeless link and Simon Pickering, Associate at Homeless Link. About Coop Finance Coop Finance (Registered name Industrial Common Ownership Finance Ltd) was set up in 1973. All their funds are democratically owned and controlled by the members. Coop Finance provide sympathetic loan finance to help people take control of their economic lives and create social benefit. Coop Finance exclusively serve the co-operative and social enterprise sector, and for over 45 years they have supported hundreds of businesses ranging from small community‑run enterprises to large award‑winning organisations. Through the provision of accessible finance they have helped to create and preserve thousands of jobs within the social economy and supported the set up of many new and innovative co-operatives, employee buyouts, and community enterprises.

In this episode, Simon and Murphy speak to Steve Wyler. Steve is a notable individual having worked in the Social Enterprise sector for over 30 years, he's an independent social change consultant and writer.His latest booked "In Our Hands: A history of community business" was published in 2017. Steve is a Board member of homeless charity Groundswell, alongside being panel member of the Inquiry into the Future of Civil Society. 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. Season 3 of This Much We Know our guests are all individuals working for funders and investors in the social enterprise sector. Funded by Access, hosted by Murphy Hopkins-Hubbard, Enterprise and Investment Manager at Homeless link and Simon Pickering, Associate at Homeless Link.

In this episode, Simon and Murphy speak to Neil Berry - Director of Programmes at Access - The Foundation for Social Investment. Neil brings a wealth of insight, knowledge and experience of working in the Social Enterprise Sector. Since 2017 Access have been working with Homeless Link to deliver our Enterprise Development Programme which sits across now six sectors offering bespoke support to a range of not for profit organisations looking to develop trading activities. 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. Season 3 of This Much We Know our guests are all individuals working for funders and investors in the social enterprise sector. Funded by Access, hosted by Murphy Hopkins-Hubbard, Enterprise and Investment Manager at Homeless link and Simon Pickering, Associate at Homeless Link. About Access - The Foundation for Social Investment Access works to make charities and social enterprises in England more financially resilient and self-reliant, so that they can sustain or increase their impact.

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. Season 3 of This Much We Know our guests are all individuals working for funders and investors in the social enterprise sector. Funded by Access, hosted by Murphy Hopkins-Hubbard, Enterprise and Investment Manager at Homeless link and Simon Pickering, Associate at Homeless Link. In this episode, Simon and Murphy speak to Matt Harrison - Deputy CEO at Homeless Link. Matt brings a wealth of insight, knowledge and experience of working in the Social Enterprise Sector. Matt has a brilliant perspective and recognition of what we can learn from the technology sector. About Homeless Link Homeless Link are a national membership charity for organisations working directly with people who become homeless in England. Homeless Link work to make services better and campaign for policy change that will help end homelessness - www.homeless.org.uk

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. Season 3 of This Much We Know our guests are all individuals working for funders and investors in the social enterprise sector. Funded by Access, hosted by Murphy Hopkins-Hubbard, Enterprise and Investment Manager at Homeless link and Simon Pickering, Associate at Homeless Link. In this episode, Simon and Murphy speak to Deborah Smart - Director of Grants at Social Investment Business. Deborah brings a wealth of insight, knowledge and experience of funding social enterprises in the UK. About Social Investment Business Social Investment Business specialise in helping organisations become more resilient and sustainable so that they are in the best place to grow and increase their impact.As one of the UK’s first social investors we have provided over £400 million worth of loans and grants to hundreds of organisations all across the country. For more information visit: https://www.sibgroup.org.uk