BEANSTALK BUSINESS CENTRE CIC
Our Projects |
What we do
Our Projects
Our projects are the heart of Beanstalk. We are dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities and making a positive impact on our community. Our diverse range of projects supports people of all ages and backgrounds, helping them develop skills, gain employment, and contribute to their communities. From youth employment programmes to senior skills workshops, our initiatives are designed to empower people, promote lifelong learning, and build social connections.
Explore our projects to see how we’re making a difference and find out how you can get involved.
INVEST IN YOUTH
This UKSPF project supports young people aged 14 to 24 in Preston who are not in work or actively job hunting. It offers personalised one-on-one employment support, interactive workshops and training, job clubs, and a wealth of resources to help them take steps toward their future careers.
MOVE FORWARD
This UKSPF project supports people aged 25 and over in Preston who are not in work or actively job hunting. It offers personalised one-on-one employment support, interactive workshops and training, job clubs, and a wealth of resources to help them advance in their careers.
BOOST FLYING START
The UKSPF Flying Start Programme, funded by UKSPF through Lancashire County Council and led by SELNET Ltd, is designed for ambitious early-stage businesses that have been trading for less than three years, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs with great business ideas.
ST MATTHEW'S JOB CLUB
We are regular supporters of St Matthews Job Club, where the sessions are friendly and informal. Everyone is welcome to drop in for a chat and a brew, with hot meals provided. The job club’s main role is to assist job seekers with finding vacancies, job applications, CV writing, interview skills, volunteering opportunities, applying for benefits, and much more.
READY, STEADY... AIRFRY!
Funded by the Department of Education, WEA, and Skills for Life Multiply, our ‘Ready, Steady . . . Air Fry’ project offers practical numeracy training in cooking. The program covers budget-friendly meals, meal planning, and nutrition. Through hands-on sessions, learners gain confidence, make healthier choices, reduce food waste, and build social connections. Participants also receive a free air fryer, perfect for continuing healthy, budget-friendly cooking at home.
COMMUNITY COOK AND EAT
Funded by the Community Gateway Association Community Fund, our Cook and Eat programme offers hands-on sessions where attendees learn to prepare nutritious, budget-friendly meals using air fryers. Upon completing the course, participants receive a free air fryer to continue healthy cooking at home. There are tailored courses for parents and individuals, hosted in community centres throughout 2023/2024. The programme promotes healthier eating, reduces food waste, and provides long-term financial savings. An employment and skills mentor is available to offer additional support and guidance.
HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT FUND
This Preston City Council fund supports our Community Cook and Eat sessions for Preston residents who are struggling to meet immediate short-term. Through these sessions, vulnerable residents can join us for a warm meal, good company, and receive a food bag of ingredients to take home. Additionally, we offer food parcels to vulnerable individuals identified through our other programmes who need assistance with essential items over the coming months.
AIR FRYER COOKERY SESSION AT THE MET
Ready to have fun and learn to cook with an air fryer? Join us at the MET on 1st August for a hands-on cook-and-eat session where we’ll be making quick, easy, and delicious pizza toast! Everyone who attends is entered into a raffle to take home one of the 10 air fryers used in the course!
SENIOR SKILLS PROGRAMME
Supporting Older People in Contributing to Society The Senior Skills Programme is designed to support older individuals in making meaningful contributions to society. Through this initiative, participants can develop new skills, engage in community activities, and increase their sense of purpose and belonging. We aim to empower seniors by providing opportunities for lifelong learning, social interaction, and community involvement, helping them to stay active and engaged in their communities.
GRANDMA'S RECIPE REVIVAL
The Senior Skills Programme is a fun and interactive research project that brings seniors and younger generations together to preserve and modernise traditional recipes. Participants will document delicious traditional recipes from seniors, capture their personal stories, and understand the cultural significance of each dish. The project will highlight the health benefits of these traditional foods and explore how they were cooked in budget-friendly and sustainable ways. We will update these recipes using modern kitchen gadgets like air fryers and blenders, making them healthier and more appealing to contemporary tastes.