May 2023

The Power of Support – a Heartfelt Reminder!

Today, my job brought tears to my eyes, reminding me why I chose this future. Beanstalk is proud to be a distribution partner of Digital Freedom 2023 with SELNET and Lancashire’s Digital Skills Partnership – offering digital training and funded devices to those in need. When I reached out to a local single mother facing life’s challenges, Her immediate acceptance touched me deeply. Her application was approved, and this week, she will receive a new laptop with digital support. This took me back to my own struggles as a teenage single mother, longing for a brighter future. I understood the immense value and worth she would feel when receiving that call, knowing that someone thought of her. I know the potential that digital device holds for her future. This laptop represents hope, empowerment, and a chance for her to build a better life. Reflecting on this journey, I am grateful to be part of a community that believes in compassion, empathy, and the power of support. It’s a reminder of the impact we can have on others and the power of a helping hand. I am humbled to be part of a community that values compassion and believes in the potential of every individual. Let us continue to uplift one another, for even the smallest acts of support can change lives and create a brighter world. Love Kerry x

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Back-to-Work Schemes in England Forced to Close

The closure of back-to-work schemes across England due to the end of funding from the EU is a devastating blow to the most vulnerable members of society. As Liz Tapner MBE, the chief executive of the Lancashire social enterprise network Selnet, says, “It might be somebody homeless, a woman who’s escaping domestic violence, somebody that is just so exasperated by the debt, they’ve got themselves into they can’t see the wood for the trees.” Although the government’s recent decision to allow councils to use their shared prosperity fund (SPF) allocations to fund job schemes is a step in the right direction, it’s too little too late for many councils and charities who have already wound down their schemes and laid off staff. This funding gap means that people struggling to make ends meet will find it even harder to return to the workforce without this essential support. As we face this challenging time, it’s important to remember the people most impacted by the loss of funding for these back-to-work schemes. These programs were designed to help the economically inactive, disabled people, and the over-50s, all facing significant challenges when finding meaningful work. At times like these, we must come together as a community to find solutions to help these individuals get back on their feet and find meaningful employment. I urge the government to take swift action to provide the funding required to help those most in need, and I call on all of us to support our local communities in any way we can during these challenging times. For more information on this issue, please read this article from The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/mar/26/back-to-work-schemes-england-previously-funded-eu-forced-close.

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