We are youth hub specialising in helping young members of the LGBTQI+ community with mental health issues & social anxiety, we act as a safe space for young people to come, and be themselves ask for help or advice, or just to find a friend.
DR!VE was an ambitious project, designed and managed by Selnet, aiming to support more than 200 new-start and existing businesses to grow in Lancashire over two years.
This project is now completed, however –
Selnet was founded by social enterprises, for social enterprises – our specialist support is available for our sector. We may be able to support you through a funded programme free of charge, or if you are not eligible, we will give you a transparent quote of the cost.
If you are a private sector/mainstream business looking for advice and support and we can redirect you based on your needs.
Whether you need start up or growth support, or advice on operating a successful social enterprise, get in touch to see how we can help. Phone us on 01772 200690 or email hello@selnet-uk.com.
DR!VE’s Journey
We were delighted to head up our partnership of qualified business advisors whose professional support helped turn good business plans into business for good. We designed DR!VE and planned our DR!VE targets from our experience and our well-established track record (visit Two/Zero, Boost and NatWest Skills and Opportunities).
Our partnership of friendly and approachable advisors spent up to two days supporting start-ups and entrepreneurs to increase the chances of their business thriving and surviving, including help starting up, growing businesses, creating new work and guidance to wider support. The was tailored to the needs of each participant, at no cost to them (funded by the European Regional Development Fund with support from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government).
Specialising in supporting social enterprises, DR!VE was delivered to help get business moving in Lancashire.
DR!VE’s Highlights:
Selnet are delighted to share our partnership’s fantastic outcomes:
5,016 hoursprovided engaging in business advice – covering a range of activities including one-to-one business development support, identifying routes to market, aftercare support and referrals to specialist providers.
797clientswere supported over 28 months.
New businesses started: We exceeded our target for potential entrepreneurs who went on to set up a business – 90% of the pre-starts we supported then began a new business. By the close of DR!VE, 85 new businesses were established, including 42 social enterprises.
New jobs created: DR!VE overachieved our jobs target and increase employment through 101 roles. GVA background: As the programme supports 101 new jobs this would equate to an increase in GVA per annum of £2.4million pounds.
Value for money: DR!VE provided value for money with a net economic return of £16 for every pound invested.
Raising awareness of Social Enterprise:One of the key impacts Selnet had was in raising the profile and awareness of Social Enterprise.
One business advisor commented, “everyone has a different understanding of social enterprise”. With so much confusion around the sector, it was imperative to have advisors who could help shape the sector and guide people through the process start to finish.
Our DR!VE for Lancashire
DR!VE was designed to provide access to support for under-represented groups and understands that best practice is a continual process which will continue to evolve over time.
Focus on disadvantaged areas: 60% of businesses supported through DR!VE are in the most deprived half of the UK. Deprivation is a key issue in Lancashire, identified in the original project rationale, “In Lancashire, 2 of the 14 local authority areas are in the most deprived 10% of the lower-tier local authorities within England (IMD rank of average rank measure). A further two local authorities are both in the most deprived 20%.”
Enabling Female leadership: 53% of businesses supported were female-led. Women are still very underrepresented in business, a recent report commissioned by Boost, Growing Women, Growing Lancashire revealed that only 19% of businesses are led by women and only 20% of directors are women.
Manufacturing sector in DR!VE is female dominated. The other highest female dominated sectors included administration and support sectors and education. Overall, the balance of genders was even across the sectors with the exception of construction and the motor trade.
Clients with disabilities: Overall, the project has reached an average of 10% of disabled clients. “The disability employment rate was 53% in 2021, compared to 81% for non-disabled people.” Disabled workers move out of work at nearly twice the rate (9%) of non-disabled workers (5%), and unemployed disabled people move into work at nearly one-third of the rate (11%) of unemployed non-disabled people (27%).
Clients from ethnic minority backgrounds: 10% of clients from an ethnic minority backgrounds. The increase in ethnic minority enquiries really started to take off in December 2022, whatever activities the project team carried out at this time did work well at reaching a wider range of potential entrepreneurs.
The arts attracted higher number of disabilities and ethnic minorities, although this was a very small sample, it would be useful to continue to monitor this. Other service activities were the most dominant sector in DR!VE, but they were reaching low numbers of ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.
Project Evaluation
We will share insight and feedback on DR!VE in the coming weeks, starting with this feedback is from the CEO of Mandus House:
Business Expo event
At our Business Expo in January 2023, Selnet had clearly thought about what their clients needed and quite a few of the speakers focussed on inspiring and building confidence.
One speaker talked about “the truth about motivation is that no one really motivates you… you motivate yourself” and shared the top tip that if you think of public speaking as just sharing information with people it may remove some nerves.
Ultimately, it was clear that the social enterprise sector is connected around Selnet, as one speaker commented, “This sector works well in partnership. It is very important for social enterprise.”
Lancashire’s social enterprise teams “perform miracles: day after day after day”
Social Enterprises across Lancashire celebrated and promoted for their phenomenal impacts and achievements throughout Covid at the Enterprise in Society Awards 2021
On 2nd December 2021, at the Crow Wood Hotel, Burnley, Selnet’s 10th awards event for social enterprises highlighted how social businesses adapted services to Covid challenges, in order to continue supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged people across Lancashire.
Selnet is the lead organisation representing social enterprises across Lancashire, increasing our sector’s competitiveness, sustainability and impact. We support and enable the vital work of frontline social enterprises, from training, to contract delivery and enabling partnerships.
Social enterprises across Lancashire have gone above and beyond expectations in response to Covid-19, helping people in crisis and keeping lives together. Our phenomenal sector deserves the recognition, celebration and wider promotion, joining together and sharing impactful stories in person at the Enterprise in Society Awards 2021.
The story from Twitter
And the winners are!
Start-Up Social Enterprise of the Year Sponsored by The Sewing Rooms
Start Up Social Enterprise of the Year 2021, sponsored by The Sewing Rooms, awarded by co-Directors Paula Gamester and Maureen Fazal to Growing Resilience CIC:
“We are just under a year old, set up to support people around mental health. Teaching people how to cook with foodbank items, horticulture, introducing different concepts of mental health, meditation, conflict resolution, chaotic lifestyles, becoming physically and mentally better, working with UCLan to support LGBTQ+ communities and homeless people.” Glen Duckett, Growing Resilience CIC.
Highly commended award presented to We Be Kids CIC (collected by Suzanne Murray, Groundwork)
Shortlisted were Beanstalk Business Support CIC, Growing Resilience, Mindsight and We Be Kids CIC.
Small Social Enterprise of the Year Presented by awards judge Adam Holden
The category ‘Small Social Enterprise of the Year’ category was highlighted as the category celebrating ‘the lifeblood of our sector’, presented by judge Adam Holden and awarded to Divine Days Creative Arts:
“We tackle inequalities with health, working with people with complex needs or disabilities, helping them access social entrepreneurship we use the arts predominantly. Everyone in our category is phenomenal, so we are just so thrilled, everyone is just absolutely wonderful, and we are absolutely honoured!” Katie Whitehead, MD.
“I didn’t expect this at all, we’re 20 years old, we work in Morecambe and the surrounding area of Morecambe, through Covid we really came into our own, what we’re about is helping people in need, in crisis, – where others closed around us, we kept on going and honestly, we had a really great 18 months!” – Steph Buchanan, Manager at Furniture Matters.
Shortlisted were Child Action Northwest, Furniture Matters (Calico Enterprise Ltd), Intact, Lancashire Women, Recycling Lives Social Enterprises and Travel Assist.
Social Enterprise Covid Hero Sponsored by Recycling Lives Commercial
The Covid Hero category recognises the great efforts that organisations have gone to over the last 18 months; the new category Covid Hero, presented by David Allen on behalf of the sponsor ‘Recycling Lives Commercial’ to @TheGrange Community Centre:
“The Grange is right sat the centre of Grange Park in Blackpool, we support the residents of Grange Park, during Covid while services closed, we stayed open and we supported the people that were the most vulnerable – most of all what came to light out of it, is there are some very vulnerable people who were not known to use before Covid, but now they are known and have support and care put into place so a lot of good has come out of the work that was done during lockdowns – we did meals on wheels, Christmas dinners, housed people off the streets – and that support just continues and continues. We’re very proud of what we do!” Ellen Ryan @TheGrange.
Alistair Clarke reflected the crowd’s response: “Amazing, amazing organisation!”
Shortlisted were CANWe Solutions CIC, Intact, New Era Enterprises, The Sewing Rooms and @TheGrange Community Centre.
Work and Training Social Enterprise of the Year Sponsored by Livv Housing
The Work and Training Social Enterprise of the Year category was presented by judge Paula Brown on behalf of sponsor by Livv Housing to Brew Me Sunshine.
Alistair Clarke said “The winners can’t be here tonight – why? Because they’re on their Christmas party!”
Work and Training Social Enterprise of the Year winners Brew Me Sunshine, from Facebook (post Awards)
Video “Thank you very much for this award, it means so much here to us at Brew Me Sunshine, it’s been really rewarding to see our volunteers overcome their challenges and develop their confidence and skills throughout our training schemes – it’s been even greater to see one of those volunteers join our team as a member of staff, who will also get a well-deserved nomination in one of the other categories this evening. We are incredibly proud of our team and we are not just a café that serves a cup of coffee and delicious cakes. We continue to be a safe, accessible community space for some of the most isolated members of our community. Thank you again and you are all very welcome to see us here at Brew Me Sunshine to celebrate the hard work of all of those this evening” Claire Lloyd – Cafe Manager
Shortlisted were AFC Fylde Community Foundation, Brew Me Sunshine, Calico Enterprise Ltd, Child Action Northwest, Recycling Lives (Social Enterprises) Ltd and Social Enterprise Solutions.
Social Enterprise Employee of the Year Awarded by Selnet Membership Lead, Yvette Holden
Employee of the Year, presented by Selnet Membership Lead, Yvette Holden, awarded to Natalie Hall of CANWe Solutions.
Accepting the award on her behalf was Michelle Dixon, Head of Service at Child Action Northwest: “I have the pleasure of working with Natalie and her team. She’s heavily pregnant and was advised to take some time off to rest! Working with Natalie she’s amazing, she gives her all to everything – on behalf of Natalie thank you very much!”
Shortlisted were Carl Simms of Child Action Northwest, Craig Kirby of The Sewing Rooms, Jez Palmer of CANWe Solutions CIC, Julie Smith of SHAPE Lancashire, Natalie Hall of CANWe Solutions CIC and Vicky Hutchinson of Lancashire Women.
Striving for Equality Award Sponsored by Calico Enterprises
The Striving for Equality award was sponsored by Calico Enterprises and presented by Sam Howarth to Equalities and Justice Northwest.
Presented to Zed Ali, Chief Officer: “We help organisations in the public, private and voluntary sector to implement best practice policies that promote equality. We provide advice and advocacy on a whole range of practical issues and we are absolutely blown away to win this award, all I can say is thank you!”
Shortlisted were Child Action Northwest, Equalities & Justice Northwest and URPotential.
Environmental Champion of the Year Presented by Chair of Selnet, Graham Jones
The Volunteer of the Year award was presented by Selnet’s Deputy CEO, Donna Marshall, who invited all shortlisted nominees to the stage for recognition of their work, and then announced the winner of the category as Jessica Marina Bridge of Renaissance UK.
“I’m a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and I work with Renaissance UK, volunteering hours with them, I work with individuals suffering with sexual health issues, trauma, addiction, drugs, alcohol and the LGBTQ community as well, so I was working with them while I was qualifying as a CBT therapist and since then I’ve been volunteering my hours ever since. I couldn’t imagine not being with them, they’re just a brilliant team! – Jessica Marina Bridge, Renaissance UK.
In recognition of the shortlisted candidates’ work, awarded highly commended certificates were presented to Beryl Lymer of Spring into Action, Donna Hannigan of URPotential, Katy Smith of Child Action Northwest, Krysti-Ann Monroe of Lancashire Women, Tina Calderbank of SHAPE Lancashire and Yasmin Shakir of PUKAR.
Social Enterprise Champion 2021 Presented by 2019 Champion Paula Gamester
Paula Gamester of The Sewing Rooms in Skelmersdale was the Social Enterprise Champion winner in 2019; Selnet’s last Awards ceremony due to Covid. Paula presented this award, saying: “I am absolutely delighted to announce that the 2021 Social Enterprise Champion is Tony Carr”:
Tony was very surprised, and on accepting the award, said “It’s very kind and thank you to the judges, and everybody who has been involved in this awards ceremony. I’m very lucky – I’ve had 2 careers, my first career was 30 years as a retailer, then I moved to our sector and its given me enormous job satisfaction, because now I enjoy going to work and I enjoy the results of the work, which is something that never happened before.
That work was all money-based, and this is about people. Job satisfaction is everything: when we can see the fruits of our work and see that peoples’ lives have changed. So, thank you very much for this award!”
Shortlisted nominees were Annie Wynn of Let’s Grow Preston, Dave Scholes of Mindsight, Linda Markey of URPotential and Tony Carr of Social Enterprise Solutions CIC.
Social Enterprise of the Year 2021
Sponsored by Social Enterprise UK
The final category, sponsored by Social Enterprise UK, shortlisted 27 candidates from all social enterprises shortlisted at the 2021 awards.
Liz Tapner presented this award on behalf of Social Enterprise UK, saying “I am so pleased to announce that for the second year running the Social Enterprise of the Year 2021 is Child Action Northwest”
Michelle Dixon, Head of Service at Child Action Northwest said: “I work with these wonderful people, the only thing that I can say is that everyone does an amazing job, day in, day out – as I’m sure everyone does in the room, to win it the second time – we thought there was no way, so I’m absolutely thrilled, I’m more thrilled with friends and colleagues who stand by me because they’re the ones who go out every day and do what they do – thanks guys, you’re brilliant!”
About the 2021 Enterprise in Society Awards
Hosted by Vice Chair Alistair Clarke MBE, awarded MBE in 2020
Welcome address and Social Enterprise of the Year award presented by Liz Tapner MBE, awarded in July 2021.
Sponsors: Recycling Lives, Calico Enterprises, The Sewing Rooms, Social Enterprise UK, Livv Housing and Unity Trust Bank.
The largest social enterprise awards in England, outside of Social Enterprise UK.
Judging panel: Adam Holden, Paula Brown, Investment Manager of Livv Housing Group and Margaret Porter, Relationship Manager of Unity Trust Bank
#BuySocial giftbags produced by The Sewing Rooms: 5 staff members and 5 volunteers were involved in design and production, with each bag made from end of roll textiles and salvaged textiles otherwise destined to landfill; 1500 metres of fabric were used, the equivalent to cover 2 full sized football pitches!
Awards held on 02/12/21 with hashtag #SelnetAwards
Selnet’s Tagline: For People | For Business | For Good
Move 2 Change’s vision is “To inspire engagement with nature to support positive physical and mental well-being”
We deliver a range of programmes and activities to enable people to be active and safe in the outdoors, build confidence, improve fitness, develop positive wellbeing, and develop skills.
Our Change Maker programme is run over 10 days with participants working with others to develop team work and communications skills leading to tackling the “Change Maker Challenge”. On the journey through the Change Maker programme partcipants get the opportunity to develop and put into practice skills in team work , communication, personal leadership and project management. Change Maker uses the great outdoors to provide an exciting , challenging and beautful backdrop for learning and development .
Our Fitwalk programme provides opportunities to get out walking in small groups, meet new people , develop skills in navigation and environmental awareness, and set personal fitness goals.
Our Moving 2 Make Teams programme is aimed at organisations looking for something different to support work team development. The Theoutdoor based experiences are bespoke in design for each circumstance, all involve a range of active, inclusive and fun challenges that will be co-designed to meet the goals of the organisation whilst building communities/teams within and across organisations.
Move 2 Change also offer opportunities to try a range of outdoor and adventurous activities (for example rock climbing, caving, mountain biking, trail running) and develop skills in map reading and navigation.
Redmoor Communications is a community interest company specialising in providing public relations support and social media training for new and established social enterprises, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations. A not for profit social enterprise with social responsibility at the heart of all we do, Redmoor Communications offers clients a comprehensive support package. Our masterclasses in social media will leave you with a thorough understanding of how you can use traditional and digital media to grow your business. Based in Lancashire in the North West of England but with staff based across the UK, we have over 15 years’ experience at the cutting edge of both online and offline communications. We bring a knowledge and experience of social media that is difficult to match ensuring that you have the confidence to use social media without the need to spend lots of money of expensive consultants. If you think you might qualify for one of our free sessions give us a call on 07747 061162.
Lucie Higham represents Selnet Member Redmoor Communications CIC and is currently a Director on our Board.
ACT Community Partnership has to date been successful in securing a building and undergone extensive renovations to provide a fit for purpose resource centre for the primary purpose of Advice, Counselling and Training. The organisation is actively developing a network of strategic partners to provide front line services to the local community through the different strands. In addition the new facility (The ACT Centre Blackpool) will provide accommodation for front line organisations as well as training and meeting space for hire.
WAYS TO TRADE WITH THIS SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
The centre boasts meeting space and training rooms that are available to hire.
We Be Kids is a new start up project in 2021 that aims to bring online inspiration to families so they can confidently take part in offline activities that boost their wellbeing.
At We Be Kids we follow our 1,2,3,4,5 model:
We have 1 main aim- to help boost the wellbeing of children and families.
We believe that positive wellbeing can be described by 2 main factors- being healthy and feeling content.
We believe that making connections is key to wellbeing- 3 connections- in particular; connections with Nature, connection with community, and connection with ourselves.
In order to help people boost their wellbeing we offer resources in 4 specialist areas; storytelling, nature art, nature activities and yoga and mindfulness.
By engaging with We Be Kids children and families will be actively living the 5 ways to wellbeing: Get Active, Be Mindful, Think Community, Keep Learning and Practice Kindness.
We Be Kids is founded and run by Danny English and AnneMarie Trevena. Between them they have over 40 years experience working around the world in the fields of education and wellbeing.
We Be Kids add new material each week to their online library, families can access the resources by visiting www.webekids.net and all the material is free.
We Be Kids is eager to make connections and work in partnership with other organisations who value the wellbeing of their staff, families, clients and the wider community. We are already working in partnership with local authorities in areas representing family services and education. If you are interested in helping us boost the wellbeing of children and families then please consider partnering
us.
Blackburn Rovers Community Trust (Registered Charity No. 1117122) is fully committed to offering all members of the local community access to the highest quality programme of grassroots football, education, inclusion initiatives and awareness projects to encourage off-field participation, success and enjoyment using the crest and brand name of Blackburn Rovers Football Club.
The power of football to engage, enthuse and motivate people irrespective of age, gender and ethnicity is now recognised on many stages. As a vehicle through which community cohesion in its broadest terms of ‘narrowing the gap’ in health, education, aspirations and opportunity can be addressed, the local draw of Blackburn Rovers and the unrivalled power of the brand to bring additional credibility cannot be underestimated.
As a not for profit, social enterprise, Travel Assist has designed the business model on the foundation of their two major social objectives, which are;
(1). Making transport accessible for those who experience difficulties reaching mainstream transport.
(2). Creating and sustaining long term employment opportunities.
From the very start, Travel Assist has based all business decisions on the ethics of our social objectives, which is to provide opportunities, equality and respect. However, as the business has developed, Travel Assist has recognised that it has a responsibility to look at the impact the work carried out by the organization has on the environment. Therefore, a third social objective has been added:
(3). Sustaining responsible use of energy to minimalise the impact on the environment.
Graham Jones is a founder director of Selnet, and currently represents Travel Assist as a Director on our Board.
Ways to trade with this social enterprise
We exist to primarily provide affordable, accessible transport for people who experience difficulties accessing mainstream transport
Change Grow Live is a charity specialising in Substance Misuse and Criminal Justice intervention projects in England and Wales. We’re funded by councils and local authorities who commission us to provide services, and we sometimes receive donations from the public.
Because we’re not a business, we’re not looking to make a profit. So we can focus on making sure that everything we do is helping the people who use our services, and the wider public too.
In Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen, we operate under the brands Inspire, New You and Go2. Within all our services in Lancashire, we have teams that support with all of the following and much more
Clinical interventions for drug and/ or alcohol treatment
Family Safeguarding
Criminal Justice
Homelessness
Housing
Education, Training and Employment
Recovery Support
Behaviour Change
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Social Enterprise Lancashire Network
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Martin Needham of Rainbow Youth Centre won our Social Enterprise Champion award in 2022.
Lancashire’s social enterprise teams “perform miracles:
