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At Beanstalk, we are overjoyed to express our deepest gratitude to Wiltshire Digital Drive for their exceptional generosity. Their recent donation of five desktop PCs, complete with monitors, mice, and keyboards, has had an incredible impact on our organisation. We are thrilled to share how this contribution will enable us to recommence our work experience programmes and empower individuals on their career journeys. In addition, we would like to extend our thanks to DPD UK for their reliable courier service and A Good Thing (UK) for connecting us with Wiltshire Digital Drive. The donation from Wiltshire Digital Drive has opened up new avenues for us to resume our work experience programmes. These programs play a vital role in equipping individuals with valuable work skills and the confidence needed to progress in their careers. With the new desktop PCs, we can expand our reach and provide even more people with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and take a step closer to their career goals. Our heartfelt thanks go to A Good Thing (UK) for their incredible work in connecting us with Wiltshire Digital Drive. Their expertise in matching surplus equipment with charities and not-for-profit organisations in need is truly remarkable. Through their efforts, we have been able to forge a meaningful partnership that has made a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. Calling All Businesses: Join the Movement! We invite all businesses to consider donating equipment they no longer use to organisations in need. A Good Thing (UK) provides a fantastic opportunity to ensure that your surplus equipment finds its way to charities and not-for-profit organisations that can put it to good use. By supporting this initiative, we can collectively create a world where no useful equipment goes to waste. Let’s make a positive impact and ensure that valuable resources are utilised to their fullest potential. The support we have received from Wiltshire Digital Drive and A Good Thing (UK) has been truly remarkable. Their generosity, reliability, and matchmaking skills have enabled us to continue our important work experience programmes and empower individuals on their career journeys. We extend our deepest gratitude to these incredible organisations and encourage businesses to join us in supporting A Good Thing (UK) to make a lasting impact in our communities. Together, we can ensure that no useful equipment goes to waste and contribute to a better world for all. #TechForGood #DigitalEmpowerment #CareerDevelopment #Grateful #GivingBack #CommunitySupport #Donations #WorkExperiencePrograms #MakingADifference #Opportunity #PCDonation #AGoodThing #WiltshireDigitalDrive #DPDUK #Beanstalk

Happy 2nd birthday to Beanstalk! Let’s get the confetti, put on our party hats, and celebrate this remarkable milestone – we’re growing faster than a magic beanstalk! OUR JOURNEY SO FAR! As I look back on the incredible milestones we’ve achieved, it’s hard not to get a little nostalgic. Time flies, doesn’t it? Just a year ago, we were wrapping up our first year as a new community interest company, and little did we know the amazing things that awaited us. One of the most pivotal moments came when UnLtd provided the much-needed funding for our new office premises. Moving into Brentwood House, with its stunning chandelier and the warm welcome from the Community Futures and SELNET teams, felt like a dream come true. Finally, we had a space to offer work placement programmes, creating opportunities for individuals in our community to thrive. We were thrilled when Community Gateway became our first partner in referring mentees to our programmes. Our pilot initiative kicked off with great success, and witnessing the positive impact we were making in people’s lives fueled our passion to do even more. Building on this success, we made strategic changes and transformed into Beanstalk Business Centre CIC. Our new structure allowed us to launch dedicated divisions for Employment and Skills, and Food and Cookery. These initiatives were born out of the needs expressed by our communities, and we were determined to provide practical learning opportunities that catered to diverse learning preferences. A significant highlight was delivering the NCFE L1/2 Food and Cookery programme at Carnforth High School. It allowed us to empower young individuals by providing them with the skills and knowledge needed in a practical learning environment. Watching their growth and witnessing their newfound confidence has been incredibly rewarding. None of these achievements would have been possible without the support, funding, and faith of UnLtd. Their belief in us from the start allowed us to bring Ve Bennett, our first employee, on board as our Employment and Skills Mentor. Ve has made an incredible difference at Beanstalk, bringing her expertise and passion to our team. What would we do without you, Ve? Our business services divisions have continued to thrive, thanks to the unwavering support of Andrea Gardner from Myerscough College. Together, we’ve collaborated on numerous projects, with the pinnacle being our invitation to the House of Lords to celebrate The Prince’s Countryside Fund’s Farm for the Future Programme’s success. There are so many people who have been instrumental in our journey, and it would be impossible to mention them all without the fear of leaving someone out. However, special thanks go to Alistair Clarke MBE, who supported us from day one through SELNET’s Drive Programme, our support manager Jo Gibson from UnLtd, who has now become a cherished friend, the judges who recognised our efforts with awarded us SELNET Start-Up Social Enterprise of the Year 2022, and our fabulous partners who have championed us every step of the way. But I can’t sign off without expressing my deepest gratitude to our Board of Directors. Cameron Karri, Chris Webb, and Loraine Campbell, you are my conscience, my critical friends, my sounding board. Your guidance and unwavering support have been invaluable throughout this journey. Thank you for believing in our vision and working tirelessly to help us achieve our goals. To every person who has embraced our support, your dedication, enthusiasm, and confidence in your own life journeys inspire us every day. You are the true heroes, making positive changes one step at a time. We celebrate you! So, here’s to our incredible journey so far, and to the countless chapters yet to be written. Together, let’s keep growing, thriving, and reaching for the stars. The best is yet to come. Cheers to Beanstalk’s 2nd birthday!

Last Saturday, we had the incredible honour of participating in an inspiring event organised by Strive 2 Thrive Lancashire CIC. The Culture Exchange Project, led by Social Ark and funded by the Foundation For Future London and Westfield Stratford, brought together talented young individuals from around the UK to experience the rich culture and diversity of Preston. Exploring Opportunities and Engaging Conversations: The Culture Exchange Project aims to delve into the various opportunities and challenges faced by young people in different parts of the country. Participants engage in conversations encompassing a wide range of topics, including culture, community, history, personal experiences, social enterprise, equality, art, and music. It provides an open platform for meaningful discussions and deeper understanding of the issues that matter most to young individuals. Collaboration and Community Engagement: During the visit, Strive 2 Thrive Lancashire collaborated with several local partners, including us at Beanstalk Business Centre CIC, Mandala Preston CIC, Soundskills, Farri Park Community Centre, Preston Community Hub, Let’s Grow Preston, and Red Rose Recovery. This collaborative effort brought together diverse organisations with a shared goal of empowering young minds for positive change within our community. A Proud Representation of Preston: As representatives of Preston, four exceptionally talented young individuals showcased the vibrant spirit and creativity that our city embodies. Through their unique perspectives, they shed light on the rich cultural heritage and diversity that makes Preston a truly special place. An Honorable Experience: Participating in this incredible event was a true honor for us. We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an important project and represent our communities. Capturing the Moment: We would like to extend our gratitude to Cameron Karri from Masuyo Digital for capturing the memorable moments of the event through stunning photographs. These visuals serve as a reminder of the collective effort and the vibrant atmosphere that was created during this remarkable gathering. Conclusion: The Culture Exchange Project organised by Strive 2 Thrive Lancashire CIC was a celebration of diversity, empowerment, and the unyielding spirit of young individuals. Through open dialogue, collaboration, and representation, this event showcased the true potential of our city and its young people. We are excited about the positive impact this project will have on communities nationwide, inspiring young minds, and working towards a more inclusive and equitable future. #WestfieldEastBankCreativeFutures #CultureExchange #Innovation #SocEnt #SocialEnterprise #Arts #YoungPeople #Film #LevelUp #Legacy #Equity #Equality #Respect #Empowerment #Sheffield #Birmingham #Preston #EastLondon #LivedExperience #SocialArkFamily💙

Happy Monday 😄! I’m really excited to take a moment and give you a peek into the amazing experiences we have every Monday afternoon at Beanstalk Food and Cookery. Today was an absolute blast as we joined our small group of incredibly talented Year 9 and Year 10 students with additional needs for their practical cookery session. Our focus for the day was all on aeration techniques, particularly the art of whisking egg whites and how this simple process can take ordinary pancakes to a whole new level of fluffiness. We wrapped up the session by shining a spotlight on the importance of presentation skills because we firmly believe that a dish should be a treat for both the taste buds and the eyes. Let me tell you, the pancake stack created by one of our pupils is truly a work of art, nothing short of a masterpiece! These moments really reinforce why we’re so passionate about what we do at Beanstalk. It’s not just about teaching cookery skills; it’s about nurturing creativity, boosting self-confidence, and creating unforgettable memories for our students. The look of pure accomplishment on their faces as they proudly display their creations is absolutely priceless. If you’re as captivated as I am by the incredible talent and dedication of these young individuals, I invite you to drop a comment below, and let’s come together to celebrate their amazing achievements! 🎉🎉 #CookingWithJoy #InclusiveEducation #InspiringStudents #PancakePerfection #AlternativeEducation #NotInTheClassroom

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

As a representative of Myerscough College through the Farm for the Future programme, I had the privilege to attend The Prince’s Countryside Fund’s Farm Support Group Conference. The conference was held on 9th and 10th March at the NFU conference centre at Stoneleigh. Despite the snowstorms, Victoria and I were determined to attend. The conference was incredibly insightful, with two days of talks and discussions from experts in the field. Insights from the Conference: Discussions on the first day centred on policy, with speakers tackling topics such as sustainability, changes to BPS payments, TB, soils, and tree planting. The second day focused on supporting farmers with topics such as carbon, succession, and helping the next generation. Keith Halstead, Executive Director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund, noted that this was a particularly exciting time for the Fund’s work with Farm Support Groups across the UK. The attendance of over 70 representatives from 33 farm support groups reflects the initiative’s growth. Collaboration and Networking: What struck me most about the conference was the level of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among the representatives. Seeing many organisations together to support farming families across Great Britain and Northern Ireland was truly inspiring. There were ample opportunities to hear from those working with the farm support groups, including Gillian Reid from Rural Support NI, Harry Seran and Chris McVey from RSABI, Gareth Davies from Tir Dewi, and many more. Learning about Carbon and Future-Proofing: As a representative of Myerscough College, I was particularly interested in learning about the opportunities for farmers to work with carbon and how to future-proof their businesses. Becky Willson of Farm Carbon Toolkit gave a particularly engaging session on the subject, highlighting the potential benefits for farmers in building resilience. Amazing Hospitality at Hilltop Farm: In addition to the insightful conference sessions, we were also treated to the amazing food and hospitality at Hilltop Farm in Leamington Spa. This added to the experience and made it even more memorable. I feel grateful to have been part of such a transformative event and learned so much from the experts and other representatives. The Farm for the Future programme has given me a unique perspective on the challenges facing farmers and the ways in which organisations can collaborate to support them. I am excited to bring these insights back to Myerscough College and Lancashire. The Prince’s Countryside Fund’s Farm Support Group Initiative has done an incredible job in bringing together such a diverse range of organisations and supporting them through training and online seminars. The initiative’s growth over the years is a testament to its success in helping farm support groups become more sustainable and responsive to the demands of the industry. Their commitment to supporting small farmers in the UK is inspiring, and I feel privileged to have been part of such a transformative event.

As someone in the social entrepreneurship game, I’m all for having support from my Board of Directors. I always want to make sure I’m doing my best to look after them like they support my organisation, the communities we serve, and me. This morning’s UnLtd’s webinar with Lorraine Gailey, the Founding Director of Hearing Partners and expert in all things board-related, blew my mind! I wanted to share some key takeaways from the webinar. Do You Need a Board of Directors? The short answer is: Yes, yes, and yes! A good board of directors/trustees is essential for the success of any not-for-profit organisation. A great board can provide valuable input for making tough decisions, especially in the face of changes in the world, funding opportunities, or staff crises. Moreover, some funding opportunities may require a board in place. So, if you’re trying to secure funding, having a strong board can only improve your chances. How to Build a Great Board Now, let’s talk about building a great board. First, you need to understand the skills and expertise needed on the board. You don’t want a bunch of clones who all think the same way, right? So, having a mix of board members with different backgrounds and perspectives is important. This can help to ensure that a range of viewpoints is represented and that the board is not dominated by one perspective. Once you have your board members, it’s important to ensure that they have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. This may involve training or orientation to new board members and ongoing communication and support. Communication is key to a great board, so make sure to have regular meetings, email updates, or other forms of communication to keep board members informed and engaged. And don’t forget to have clear procedures in place for addressing conflicts or other issues that may arise. The Legal Side of Things Now, let’s discuss the legal side of things. Board members are legally accountable for the decisions made by the organisation, while advisory group members are not. So, it’s important to be aware of the legal responsibilities of being a board member. But don’t worry; there is professional liability insurance that can provide protection for board members against legal claims resulting from decisions made in good faith. It may be easier to recruit members for an advisory group than a board, due to the different levels of responsibility involved. But keep in mind that board members may feel a greater sense of responsibility for the success of the organisation, which may lead to a higher level of engagement and commitment. The Question of Voting Rights and Control It’s understandable to worry about losing control of your organisation to a group of people with different ideas and opinions. However, it’s important to remember that having a board doesn’t necessarily mean giving up control. One way to maintain control is to set up the board to retain certain voting rights while still giving the board decision-making power. For example, you can give certain members more voting power than others or set up a system where the CEO has a tie-breaking vote. This way, you can ensure that the board is still making decisions in the organisation’s best interest while keeping control in your hands. Final Thoughts In conclusion, building a strong and effective board requires a commitment to ongoing communication, relationship-building, and evaluation. By working on selecting the right board members and providing ongoing support and feedback, organisations can ensure that their boards are a valuable asset in achieving their goals. So, don’t neglect your board. Build a great one, and watch your organisation thrive!

Leaving school is a life changer for every teenager in the country. It’s the start of growing up and taking a step towards adulthood. Many young people follow a traditional route into college and university. Others will find themselves out of work and education altogether, but what if your career and ability to mature was closer than you thought? You want money now, you know what you want to do, you are ready, and you’re willing. You don’t want to sit at home anymore, dreaming without doing. You want an apprenticeship and guess what – you can enrol on one at any time. You can be 16 or 50 to do one. All you need is motivation, dedication, and a belief in yourself. Apprenticeships have been shown to help young people, and those looking to gain the skills and training into a dream career. Having a REAL job, with REAL people, doing REAL activities. The theory and the practical, all in one course. Whether you choose one that lasts one year or five, you will work towards a qualification. This will give you a major advantage over other candidates when the time comes to move on. Not only do you have the education but the experience as well. And it won’t cost you a penny! All apprenticeships are fully funded, you won’t have a student loan to pay back when you start earning. In fact, you will be watching a wage hit your bank account from day one and the income goes up at every milestone you pass. Apprenticeships are available in so many sectors and for everyone. You will be supported, funded, educated, and gain experience that is relevant to you. So, what’s stopping you?

Hey guys! Do any of you ever find yourself waking up in the middle of the night with a million thoughts racing through your head? I know I do! And I’ve come to learn that it’s a common phenomenon, especially among women. But why is it that we always seem to have our most profound thoughts at 3am? I did some digging and found out that our body has its own internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, which regulates when we feel awake and when we feel sleepy. So, when our internal clock goes off at 3am, our mind starts to race and we find ourselves in deep contemplation about everything from our daily problems to the meaning of life. But here’s the thing, the voice that wakes us up at 3am is not our true voice. It’s more like the voice of our inner prankster, who just wants to have a little fun. This voice is the one that convinces us that the problem we had at work today is actually a life-altering crisis and that we’ll never be able to sleep again. So, what can we do to deal with this midnight madness? I’ve got some tips for you: With these tips, you’ll be able to turn your 3am wake-up calls into a positive. So, let me know in the comments if you also struggle with 3am catastrophes and what you do to deal with it!

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that mainly affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent reading and spelling. As tutors, it’s important to understand that learning difficulties are not related to a person’s intelligence and can vary greatly from person to person. That’s why creating an inclusive and fun learning environment is crucial for learners with dyslexia. It’s not just in the classroom where dyslexia can affect learners, it can also have a significant impact on their ability to succeed in the workplace. By understanding and implementing strategies to support learners with dyslexia, you are not only helping them to achieve their full potential in the classroom but also preparing them for success in their future careers. Here are some ways to make your classroom more inclusive and fun for learners with dyslexia: 1. Get to know your learners individually and encourage them to get to know each other. This will help create a sense of belonging and make learners feel more comfortable asking for support. 2. Use multisensory activities to give learners more than one way to learn. For example: 3. Offer learners choices in how they engage with tasks to make learning more meaningful and inclusive. This can help learners with dyslexia feel more in control of their own learning. 4. Have L-shaped cards and coloured overlays available for learners to frame sections of textbook pages and help focus their attention. This is a useful technique for all learners when teaching reading skills, but can also be helpful for learners with dyslexia in the workplace. This can help them stay focused and avoid distractions while reading important documents or emails. 5. Provide extra time for learners with dyslexia to complete tasks, if necessary. This can help reduce stress and anxiety, both in the classroom and in the workplace. 6. Provide alternative forms of assessment, such as oral exams or technology to assist with written exams. This can help level the playing field for learners with dyslexia and allow them to showcase their true abilities in both the classroom and the workplace. 7. Encourage the use of assistive technology, such as text-to-speech software, in the classroom and the workplace. This can help learners with dyslexia access and process information more easily. 8. Create a supportive and understanding work environment. This can include providing accommodations such as additional time for tasks, flexible work schedules, and providing support for employees with dyslexia. 9. Provide additional resources and support. This can include providing access to online resources, dyslexia-specific tutoring, and connecting learners with support groups or mentors. 10. Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of your support strategies and make adjustments as needed. This can ensure that you are providing the best possible support for learners with dyslexia and helping them to succeed both in the classroom and in the workplace. By understanding and implementing these strategies, you can create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that will help learners with dyslexia succeed both in the classroom and the workplace. By providing the right support and accommodations, learners can overcome their difficulties and reach their full potential. It’s important to remember that every learner is unique and may require different strategies and accommodations, so it’s essential to evaluate and adjust your support strategies as needed continuously. By creating an inclusive and fun learning environment and providing the necessary support and resources, learners with dyslexia can excel both in the classroom and the workplace.

We are teaming up with Enterprise Nation and the Association of Business Mentors to provide mentoring support for UK SME business leaders on the Help to Grow Management Programme. This programme will help to boost the performance and resilience of your business. Designed and delivered by entrepreneurs and industry experts, this leadership course will provide time away from the challenges of running a business to invest in your leadership and learn how to take your business to the next level. What is the Help to Grow: Management Course? The Help to Grow: Management Course runs over 12 weeks and includes online and face-to-face sessions, 1 to 1 mentoring, and peer networking. With just one session a week, it is designed to fit around existing work and personal commitments. You will finish the course ready to lead on the delivery of increased profitability, innovation, and growth. Business-focused learning Position your business for success with modules covering vision, mission and values, employee engagement, strategy and innovation and much more. Learn from your peers Share experiences and ideas while building a local network with up to 25 small business leaders. Tailored plan for your business Work with an experienced small business mentor to tackle your business challenges and develop a tailored growth action plan. Works around you Choose the Small Business Charter accredited business school closest to your home, or place of work. Who is the Help to Grow: Management Course for? Whether you need to identify more efficient ways of working, target new markets, or create a plan to take your business and your team, to the next level, the Help to Grow: Management Course will provide the knowledge and support you need. To join the Help to Grow: Management Course, you should: If you are interested in joining this programme, please visit the Small Business Charter website for more information.