Ethos public relations Manchester

Grass is greener for Horticultural Acumen thanks to unique funding

by Ethos public relations

Horticultural Acumen, a social enterprise plant nursery in County Durham, is going from strength to strength, reaching sales of over £200,000 and helping to get more people back into work thanks to financial support from a unique loan fund.

A recently awarded loan of £80,000 from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) has enabled Horticultural Acumen in Peterlee, part of the Acumen Community Enterprise Development Trust, to employ 11 more staff through the Future Jobs Fund.

Kate Welch, Chief Executive of Acumen, said: "The loan from TSELF has been invaluable, and has enabled us to operate a seasonal business and grow our customer base to over 50 customers including 36 garden centres, two wholesale markets and a number of local parish and town councils for their 'Britain in Bloom' entries.

"Without the loan, we could never have taken the risk to start this business, as we only make large sales for four months of the year so need cash to invest in the purchase of compost, seeds, small plants and packaging as well as cover the costs of wages and overheads during the winter as we grow for our peak of spring sales."

The loan has also made it possible for the organisation to provide training and employment opportunities to over 30 people, previously disadvantaged in the labour market because of long term unemployment, homelessness or an offending background.

Set up in September 2009, Horticultural Acumen is a ten acre nursery with over 2.5 acres of heated glasshouses growing vegetable packs and bedding plants for the wholesale market.

Rod Jones, regional director for TSELF, said: "Horticultural Acumen is unique in the services it offers to the community and really does help many disadvantaged young people in the area, so we are thrilled to be able to assist with funding."

"TSELF provides loans to social enterprises and charities ranging from £15,000 to £250,000. We are here to help, so we would encourage any social enterprises looking for loans, to contact us."

The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) is a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) and a registered charity aiming to support social enterprises engaged in social regeneration projects with the provision of loan finance.

TSELF has, to date, invested £8million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

For further information about Acumen Community Enterprise Development Trust visit www.acumentrust.org.uk or call 0191 587 8000.

To find out more about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

Loan helps Adapt (North East) get motoring

by Ethos public relations

Adapt (North East) in Hexham, which provides a range of community services, including community transport and driver training, has expanded its fleet of vehicles thanks to additional funding from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF).

A recently awarded loan of £55,000 from TSELF has helped Adapt (North East) purchase two low-floor Volkswagen City Litos to collect and drop off passengers as part of its community transport scheme. The charity also provides a Dial-a-Ride for Hexham, Morpeth and throughout West Northumberland which enables Adapt members to book journeys such as shopping trips, hospital appointments, doctor or dentist visits or simply trips to visit friends.

In addition, Adapt offers Individual Support Services for disabled people and Odd Job Services such as moving furniture within the home, small garden tasks or garage tidy-ups for disabled people, older people and women living alone.

Liz Prudhoe, General Manager at Adapt (North East), said: “We appreciate the continued support from TSELF.

“TSELF really understands what we are trying to achieve by working with our local communities and the second loan has been invaluable.”

Rod Jones, Regional Director for TSELF, said: “Adapt (North East) offers something very important to the region and we are thrilled to have been able to provide this second loan.

“TSELF already has an established relationship with Adapt and because we are aware of the important work carried out by the organisation, we will do all we can to ensure it continues to develop.”

TSELF has, to date, invested £8million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

The first loan received from TSELF enabled Adapt (North East) to upgrade an ageing fleet of vehicles which needed constant repair and servicing.

For more details about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

Commonwheels car club shifts gear with cash boost

by Ethos public relations

Commonwheels, a not-for-profit car club, is giving drivers a boost and the chance to save hundreds of pounds a year following a second loan from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF).

Offering a national pay-as-you-drive service, Commonwheels, which has received a £25,000 loan from TSELF, will give motorists the opportunity to hire vehicles around the clock providing a great alternative to owning a car. With car hire parking bays located in various cities, the loan will help Commonwheels deliver a seven year partnership with Newcastle City Council that could result in a reduction of car ownership and congestion in the city centre.

Rod Jones, Regional Director for TSELF, said: “Being familiar with the work and ethics of Commonwheels, we are proud to have assisted in the firm’s expansion to Newcastle.

“With parking bays already located across Britain, we are glad to have helped this enterprise which offers an unbeatable car hire service for drivers who, for a variety of reasons be it ethical, environmental, financial or other, want to stay on the road at a manageable rate.”

Commonwheels Founder and Director Paul Balmont, said: “The service we provide is a great alternative for drivers who may not be in a position to purchase their own car, or perhaps owning a car would not be in their best interest if used infrequently.

Rod Jones added: “If you think about how many cars sit idly in parking bays in front of houses and places of work, a car club initiative such as this is definitely the way forward.”

TSELF has, to date, invested £8million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

For further information about Commonwheels visit www.commonwheels.org.uk or call 0845 602 8030.

For more details about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

The Five Lamps Organisation to help even more people thanks to unique funding

by Ethos public relations

The Five Lamps Organisation in Thornaby on Teesside, will soon be able to help thousands more people thanks to financial support from a unique loan fund.

A recently awarded loan of £30,000 from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) has supplemented Big Lottery ‘Community Asset Fund’ support, enabling The Five Lamps Organisation, to refurbish a Grade 2 listed, local authority building on Dovecot Street in Stockton town centre, to provide vital facilities for hard to reach people in the community.

As part of a Big Lottery initiative, and in partnership with Stockton Borough Council and TSELF, the £370,000 project has created a focal point for Five Lamps’ services including: assistance into employment; an enterprise gateway; young people’s services; a range of key skills and accredited learning; financial inclusion advice and access to affordable credit, with the aim of reaching at least 4,000 people per year. In addition, up to ten other local third sector organisations will be able to use the new facilities each year.

Graeme Oram, Chief Executive of The Five Lamps Organisation, said: “The newly refurbished building provides much needed space for us to deliver these life-changing services to our communities.

“We have developed an excellent relationship with TSELF, and the support we have received has been superb. We are truly grateful.”

Founded 25 years ago, The Five Lamps Organisation is a registered charity and has had considerable success in building an increasingly integrated range of social, economic and financial inclusion services in Stockton-on-Tees, the wider Tees Valley and now throughout the North East. It has become one of the largest and most highly respected social enterprise organisations in the region, employing 80 staff. Turnover for 2010-2011 will top £3.1million.

Rod Jones, regional director for TSELF, said: “The Five Lamps Organisation offers an amazing service to many people in the area and we are thrilled to be able to assist in this way.”

Social enterprise organisations throughout the UK are bucking the trend and thriving in the difficult economic climate and the Social Enterprise Movement as a whole, is now made up of tens of thousands of organisations and accounts for more than one per cent of the UK’s total economy.

TSELF has, to date, invested £8million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

For more information about The Five Lamps Organisation, visit www.fivelamps.org.uk or call 01642 608316.

For more details about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

TSELF helps local award-winning production company step up a gear

by Ethos public relations

First Take Video Ltd, an award-winning independent production and training organisation in Liverpool?s arts quarter, will soon be competing at the highest level using state-of-the-art equipment thanks to funding from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF).

A recently awarded loan of ?37,500 from TSELF will enable the innovative organisation, which specialises in working with and promoting diverse communities, creating ground-breaking films and programmes, to invest in much-needed new equipment.

First Take, which is recognised as one of the key media organisations in Liverpool, will invest in new state-of-the-art equipment, essential for the production company to continue to undertake high level productions, training, talent development work as well as work within new media.

Thanks to a recently awarded grant of ?500,000 from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), TSELF can provide Small Loans for Social Enterprise awards up to ?50,000 to help even more organisations like First Take in the North West region.

The work of First Take, which is supported by Liverpool Culture Company, contributes greatly to the cultural status of the city, and the organisation has won several awards for its programmes including its work with Barnardo?s Young Carers and North West Disability Arts Forum.

Lynne Harwood, one of the directors of First Take, said: ?The loan will help us to develop both the production and training sides of our business. On the production side, we are planning to move into features next year, and our talent development programmes for people who are under represented in the film industry will also benefit immensely as it will also allow us to develop training in new and emerging technologies.?

Roy White, North West Regional Director at TSELF, said: ?There is a vibrant social enterprise sector in the North West which we are committed to helping to grow.

?First Take Video offers something unique, working with diverse communities tackling cutting edge issues, and we are thrilled to be able to help such a creative organisation in this way.

?The grant from the NWDA and the ERDF is a great boost, and we are now looking forward to working with more social enterprises, charities and small businesses across the region that are unable to secure sufficient funding from mainstream sources.?

Roy White added: ?The work of social enterprises is invaluable and we are keen to hear from such organisations which need to secure additional funding.

?TSELF provides loans to social enterprises and charities ranging from ?3,000 to ?250,000. We are here to help, so we would encourage any social enterprises looking for loans, to contact us immediately.?

TSELF is a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) and a registered charity aiming to support social enterprises engaged in social regeneration projects with the provision of loan finance.

TSELF has, to date, invested ?8million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

For more details about TSELF in the North West visit www.tself.org.uk or call 01829 261019.

Social Enterprises to benefit from NWDA grant of £500,000

by Ethos public relations

A unique loan fund is set to help even more social enterprises in the region, thanks to a recently awarded grant of £500,000 from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

TSELF has, to date, invested £8million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

And now, with the newly awarded funding from the NWDA (£250,000) and ERDF (£250,000), TSELF will provide Small Loans for Social Enterprise awards up to £50,000 to help even more organisations in the North West.

Small Loans for Business, is part of Solutions for Business, the Government?s package of publicly funded business support designed to help companies start and grow.

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the NWDA, managing body of the Northwest ERDF programme, said: ?The Small Loans for Business scheme is designed to help Northwest business owners, entrepreneurs, charities and social enterprises start up and expand their businesses.

"Over the past two years, the fund has provided small loans to new and growing businesses and social enterprises making it easier for more people to access finance, start up and grow their own enterprises in the region. This type of funding has been vital for some small businesses and social enterprises over the past year with the challenging economic conditions making it difficult for enterprises to access finance from traditional commercial sources."

Roy White, North West Regional Director at TSELF, said: "There is a vibrant social enterprise sector in the North West which we are committed to helping to grow. The grant from the NWDA and the ERDF is a great boost, and we are now looking forward to working with more social enterprises, charities and small businesses across the region that are unable to secure sufficient funding from mainstream sources."

One organisation to have recently benefited from help from TSELF in the North West is Charitable Trust, Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes.

With four award-winning galleries, Catalyst offers a range of lessons and interactive shows, and with a recently awarded loan of £50,000 from TSELF, will now be able to employ a full-time Marketing Manager, to ensure the organisation is actively promoted both across the region and nationally.

Roy White added: "The work of social enterprises is invaluable and we are keen to hear from such organisations which need to secure additional funding.

"TSELF provides loans to social enterprises and charities ranging from £3,000 to £250,000. We are here to help, so we would encourage any social enterprises looking for loans, to contact us immediately."

For more details about TSELF in the north west visit www.tself.org.uk or call 01829 261019.

TSELF helps innovative Nottingham social enterprise win awards

by Ethos public relations

Despite the continuing global recession, and small businesses reporting difficulties getting loans from the banks, one innovative Nottingham firm ? Wheelbase ? is going from strength to strength and winning national awards, thanks to funding from a unique loan fund.

Launched in 1991 in Denman Street East, Radford, Wheelbase works with young people between 14 - 25 and provides accredited qualifications in motor vehicle and key skills alongside a Life and Social Skills Programme. Recently it has been awarded two National Training Awards (NTA) ? the most prestigious awards for training in the UK.

A loan of ?150,000 from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) enabled Wheelbase to move to new premises in Newark Street, Sneinton, Nottingham, helping to increase its ability to support greater numbers of students in the area.

Mick Clifford, CEO of Wheelbase, said they were delighted to win the two awards at a recent ceremony at East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham. ?This is just fantastic. Wheelbase has an innovative view of how to change the lives of young people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and the awards recognise that.

?With this recognition and the support from TSELF, I know we will be able to help more young people who will benefit profoundly for being helped with life, education and real work skills,? he said.

Mike Baker, Chief Executive at TSELF, said: ?Wheelbase is unique in the services it offers to the community and really does help disadvantaged children and young people in the area and we are pleased to have been able to assist with funding.

?We are committed to helping social enterprises during these difficult times and would encourage any local social business to get in touch if they have funding needs at present.?

For further details visit the website www.wheelbase.org.uk.

For more details about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

Celebrate UK success on Social Enterprise Day and get involved!

by Ethos public relations

With increasing numbers of social enterprise organisations throughout the UK bucking the trend and thriving in the difficult economic climate, National Social Enterprise Day on Thursday 19 November, will celebrate the success of social enterprises everywhere.

One unique loan fund which will be celebrating Social Enterprise Day and encouraging more people to get involved, is The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) which has, to date, invested ?7million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places and has funds available now to help even more organisations.

TSELF is a Community Development Finance Institution and a registered charity aiming to support social enterprises engaged in social regeneration projects with the provision of loan finance.

One social enterprise which has recently benefitted from TSELF funding is Children?s Activity Centre, Funky World in Hartlepool, Teesside, which is now helping to transform the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the area.

A loan of ?116,500 from TSELF enabled Funky World to purchase premises and design a new centre ? the only one of its kind in the area - to provide learning and play opportunities for disadvantaged youngsters, their carers and families. Now TSELF is looking for local social enterprises that could also benefit.

Mike Baker, Chief Executive at TSELF, said: ?We are committed to helping social enterprises, and are keen to assist more charities, small businesses and social enterprises that are unable to secure sufficient funding from mainstream sources.

"Social Enterprise Day is a fantastic opportunity for individual social enterprises to engage with their local communities and a way for us all to raise awareness of social enterprise.

"We provide loans to social enterprises and charities ranging from ?15,000 to ?250,000, so we would like to encourage any social business to get in touch if they have funding needs at present."

The Social Enterprise Movement, now made up of tens of thousands of organisations, accounts for more than one per cent of the UK?s total economy and Social Enterprise Day will not only help to raise awareness of the invaluable work social enterprises are doing, but will also encourage more people to get involved and to use enterprising ideas for social and environmental change.

For more details about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

TSELF to the rescue for Hartlepool?s disadvantaged youngsters

by Ethos public relations

Children?s Activity Centre, Funky World in Hartlepool, Teesside, will soon be helping to transform the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the area, thanks to funding from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF).

A loan of ?116,500 from TSELF will enable Funky World to purchase premises and design a new centre which will provide learning and play opportunities - focusing on particular senses such as feel, vision and sound as well as the more abstract senses of wellbeing, space, time and togetherness - for disadvantaged youngsters, their carers and families.

The centre will be the only one of its kind in the area and will provide a multi sensory environment where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy, participate, learn and interact with others in a safe and friendly environment. There will also be unique activities for those with special needs, including sensory loss rooms, interactive studios and soft play areas.

?It is estimated that in Hartlepool alone, 26-30% of the population have a disability,? says Steve Langley, Director and Manager at Funky World.

?According to recent local authority data, there are 476 children and young people with Special Educational Needs in the town, so we are delighted to receive such invaluable support from TSELF for a new centre which will really help these youngsters and their peers, carers and families.?

Rod Jones, regional director for TSELF, said: ?The main objective of the project is to offer children of all abilities the chance to have fun and excitement in a friendly, safe and comfortable environment in accordance with Government legislation, as part of its ?Every Child Matters? strategy.

?Funky World offers an amazing service to disadvantaged children and young people in the area and we are thrilled to be able to assist in this way.?

Consultation has already taken place in Hartlepool with local stakeholders including children and young people, parents and carers, local special needs schools and the local authority.

The Government?s ?Every Child Matters? strategy aims to improve outcomes for all children and young people and the Government believes that communities can make a real difference to improving opportunities for children and young people.

For more information about Funky World, visit www.fwcic.com call 01429 860700 or email info@fwcic.org. For more details about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

Car club hits the road thanks to TSELF

by Ethos public relations

Option C is an innovative North East car club which is really going places with the help of funding from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF). Originally established in Durham, a ?45,000 loan from TSELF is helping the business expand into Newcastle.

?Option C car club was set up as an alternative to people owning their own cars,? says founder and director Paul Balmont. ?Also, as a way of providing pool cars to local businesses to help them reduce costs and staff car usage.?

Many of us need a car from time to time in our daily lives, but is it always necessary?
Paul explains that his thinking behind the scheme was to help break people?s car habit.

?Most people don?t think twice about using their car, even if it?s not really necessary. When you join a car club it makes you think more about whether you really need to use a car and the environmental implications of its use.?

Paul identified a gap in the market when he set up Option C in 2006, as there were no car clubs in the North East at that time. However, as for many start up businesses, access to funding is often hard to come by. Luckily one of the directors of Option C knew of TSELF and when Paul contacted them they were happy to help. Now, three years on, another loan from TSELF is allowing Option C to expand its operations in the Newcastle area.

?The support we received from TSELF was fundamental,? explains Paul. ?Without it we would never have got the finance we needed to start up, let alone win a big contract in Newcastle.?

Option C and Newcastle City Council have recently joined forces to launch a city wide car club for Newcastle.

Option C members can access a car from a growing number of locations across Durham, Newcastle and Chester-le-Street. Cars can be booked for a minimum of half an hour and members ?pay as they drive?. Anyone can join online or over the phone and cars can be booked with as little as one minute?s notice (subject to availability). There is no membership fee, only a one-off ?25 joining fee, plus hourly rate and mileage fee per trip.

As a Community Interest Company, Option C?s profits are locked into the car club and its future. Also, they don?t have shareholders but are owned by the members of the club, who therefore have a direct say in how Option C develops.

Rod Jones, regional director of TSELF, says: ?Option C provides a radical new alternative to the traditional concept of everyone owning their own car. A car club provides access to a vehicle when you need it, but also helps make people think more carefully about their car usage, which is good news for the environment. Option C is leading the way for car clubs in the North East and TSELF is delighted to be able to help them develop their ground-breaking solution."

For more information about Option C, visit www.optionc.co.uk, call 0845 602 8030 or email info@optionc.co.uk. For more details about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

TSELF bridges the finance gap for The Sustainability Centre

by Ethos public relations

The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) stepped in to help The Sustainability Centre in Petersfield, Hampshire, with a ?36,000 bridging loan while they waited for grants for a new solar panel installation to come through.

When The Sustainability Centre secured Lottery and Low Carbon Buildings Fund money to install solar panels, they encountered a common problem with grant funding. The grants would only be paid after the work had been done and the charity would have to pay for the work up front. As a result, they needed to access finance to tide them over until the grants arrived. When their bank turned them down, they contacted TSELF who saved the day.

Earthworks Trust is a registered charity, established in 1995, which runs The Sustainability Centre near the village of East Meon, high up on the South Downs in Hampshire. The Centre was established to demonstrate and promote knowledge, skills and technologies that improve the quality of life without damaging the environment.

Although The Sustainability Centre previously had solar water heating and photovoltaic panels, they were not very efficient. The new installation is much larger, more technologically advanced and much more effective, positioned as it is on the roof and a south facing wall. The new solar panels will help to reduce the Centre?s electricity bills by up to 30%.

?We?re thankful that TSELF was able to help out,? says Nigel Cartwright of The Sustainability Centre. ?Access to loan funding isn?t easy to come by at the moment, as we found out when we approached our bank for help. The loan from TSELF has enabled us to bridge the gap until the grants come through and we appreciate the support we have received.?

?We were happy to help out The Sustainability Centre,? says TSELF?s Regional Director
SJ Davis. ?They do a fantastic job educating people about the environment, ecology and sustainability, and the new solar installation will have a huge impact on reducing both their fuel costs and carbon footprint. Getting grant funding is good news, but when it is paid retrospectively, you need to find up front finance too, and that?s where TSELF stepped in.?

The Sustainability Centre runs a very successful education programme, as well as offering programmes aimed at the unemployed and the disabled. The Centre also has a highly successful woodland burial site, eco-hostel and campsite.

To find out more about Earthworks Trust and The Sustainability Centre visit www.sustainability-centre.org.

TSELF loan will help relieve social worker crisis

by Ethos public relations

A new co-operative providing locum social workers and social care staff has been set up in North East England thanks to a £60,000 loan from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF).

The problems involved in recruiting and retaining social workers have hit the headlines in recent months since Baby P and other cases highlighted failings in the service. Figures revealed earlier this year showed that as many as one in seven social worker posts with local authorities may be vacant. The Social Work Co-operative (SWC) is a unique pilot scheme which has been set up with the aim of reducing the country's current social worker crisis.

The Social Work Co-operative has been established by a team of social enterprise experts, including a former social worker, and will not only supply high quality, temporary staff to local authorities but will also give social workers themselves an opportunity to benefit from better terms and conditions and levels of support.

The new enterprise was founded by three people: Dr Guy Turnbull, who has worked across the UK as a social economy consultant, Carol Bell, social and community enterprise expert and Walter Young, founder and co-director of the highly successful not-for-profit agency, Team Fostering.

SWC will be able to offer local authorities skilled and experienced social workers at an affordable price and all staff registered with the co-operative will become members and benefit from a share of the profits, in addition to having a say in how the organisation is run.

"The structure of the organisation means there will be no external shareholders, ensuring higher than usual levels of investment will be made in support, guidance and supervision systems for staff," says Dr Turnbull. "We welcome the loan from TSELF, which will play a vital role in getting this exciting new venture off the ground."

Rod Jones, Regional Director of TSELF, adds: "This is a pioneering project to create a new way of organising the provision of social work services. The co-operative model, which will provide members with a direct input into the running of the business and a share in the profits, will help to ensure staff are motivated and committed. We were delighted to help out."

Once the format has been tested in the North East the plan is establish a social franchising network to roll out a number of similar social work agencies across the UK.

For more information about the Social Work Co-operative call 0845 313 8452. For more details about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

TSELF loan makes Wheels for Freedom a reality

by Ethos public relations

A £20,00 loan from TSELF - The Social Enterprise Loan Fund - has helped a new company, Wheels for Freedom, save a highly-regarded minibus service for disabled people in Hartlepool.

Wheels for Freedom, a Community Interest Company, stepped in when the previous owners decided they could no longer continue. The service was originally set up just over a year ago and benefits from a contract with North East Ambulance Service.

The loan from TSELF allowed Wheels for Freedom to purchase the business, including the specialised vehicle.

Ken Fox, director of Wheels for Freedom, says: "The funding we have received from TSELF will enable us to continue to provide an important local transport service for disabled people in a specially adapted minibus. Often disabled people are unable to use conventional public transport, so this service offers a much-needed alternative."

Rod Jones, Regional Director of TSELF, adds: "We are delighted to be able to help secure the future of the minibus service. The original owners set up the business in response to their personal experience of the problems faced by disabled people and we are pleased that Wheels for Freedom will be able to carry on their good work."

The directors of Wheels for Freedom, Ken Fox and Paul Kelly, both have a background in driving disabled passengers and voluntary work. The business also has significant local support and guidance from agencies such as CapitaliSE, Business Link and Hartlepool Carers, in addition to North East Ambulance Service.

To find out more about Wheels for Freedom email wheelsforfreedom@hotmail.com.

TSELF goes into SPACE

by Ethos public relations

SPACE, a social enterprise in Blackpool set up by Sean McGinty to offer facilities and opportunities for young people interested in music and the creative industries, has received a £10,000 boost from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF).

SPACE is a community interest company which offers flexible and supportive work experience opportunities for young people and is also contributing towards the regeneration of Blackpool.

In December 2006, SPACE acquired a lease on an empty building which they developed as affordable rehearsal and recording studios for young musicians. The loan from TSELF will help fund internal building alterations, creating an extra room, as well as additional musical equipment and new windows.

The Managing Director of SPACE is Sean McGinty. He's also the presenter of the ?BBC Introducing? programme on BBC Radio Lancashire which champions new, local music. Sean is passionate about providing creative opportunities for young people and has developed the SPACE facility from scratch with his own money, giving young disadvantaged people part time employment opportunities within the organisation, where they staff evening rehearsal sessions.

We're delighted with the loan from TSELF, says Sean. "Everything SPACE does must be sustainable. There has to be a business opportunity and a social need and Blackpool has both in abundance. When those two things come together social enterprise really can improve aspirations and employment opportunities for young people. The loan will make a huge difference to SPACE, allowing us to develop our facilities, open up the centre for daytime use and generate additional revenue from renting out the rehearsal rooms."

SPACE provides a wonderful opportunity for disadvantaged young people in Blackpool to develop their knowledge and experience of the music industry, says Roy White, Regional Director of TSELF.

"TSELF provides loans to organisations that make a valuable social impact and, thanks to the improvement work we are helping to fund, SPACE will be able to make an even greater contribution to the community and local economy."

To find out more about SPACE contact Sean McGinty, email me@seanmcginty.co.uk, or visit www.seanmcginty.co.uk. For more information about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

TSELF loan boost for Stanhope Adventure

by Ethos public relations

Stanhope Adventure, a not-for-profit outdoor activity centre in County Durham, has received a ?20,000 loan from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) to make essential improvements to its premises.

Stanhope Adventure, previously known as the Silver Jubilee Adventure Centre, provides accommodation, recreation activities and training facilities for schools, youth organisations and other groups. The centre needed to raise finance to cover the cost of upgrading and refurbishing its buildings and luckily TSELF was able to step in and help.

The centre has provided an important community service for many years and was previously managed by the Durham Association of Youth Clubs. It comprises a former chapel, which houses kitchen and dining facilities, and large residential wooden huts, which offer dormitory accommodation for up to 44 people, a recreation room and leader?s accommodation.

Overlooking the picturesque Wear Valley, Stanhope Adventure is surrounded by grassland which allows for camping, games and barbecues. The centre lies on the Coast to Coast Cycle Route and so is well placed to meet the demand from groups using this route.

The loan from TSELF will cover a number of much-needed improvements, including a new fire warning system, rewiring and the installation of shower facilities.

?We?re delighted with the support we?ve received from TSELF,? says Chris Jones of Stanhope Adventure. ?It will enable us to make some important improvements, helping us to rejuvenate the site and encouraging more people to come and stay in this fantastic spot.?

?Stanhope Adventure is breathing new life into a well-established and popular local facility,? says Rod Jones, Regional Director of TSELF. ?The help provided by The Social Enterprise Loan Fund will make a huge difference in bringing the facilities up-to-date and creating a more modern centre which meets today?s needs.

?TSELF provides loans to organisations that make a valuable social impact and, thanks to the renovation work being done, I am sure that Stanhope Adventure will continue to make a significant contribution to the community and local economy for many years to come.?

To find out more about Stanhope Adventure contact Chris Jones on 07733 153673 or 01388 526663. For more information about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

The Whole Story

by Ethos public relations

Financial support from organisations such as The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) is often vital to social enterprises. As the recession bites and funding from sources such as banks gets harder to access, the importance of alternative providers of finance is likely to grow. Whole School Meals in east Kent is one example of a social enterprise which, thanks to a ?90,000 loan from TSELF, is now thriving.

When Stephanie Hayman, a local mum and parent governor from Deal in Kent, heard that the contract for school meals in the county was to go out to tender, she saw an opportunity to reverse the decline in local school meals standards. By getting together with schools and parents, Stephanie formed a community owned company - Whole School Meals Ltd - to bid for the contract and to provide healthy, home-cooked school meals using fresh, locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.

"The response from head teachers and parents was tremendous," says Stephanie. "We publicly invited anyone who was willing to join us in a voluntary capacity to help us create the company and bid for the contract ? and we were delighted by the response."

As a result, in July 2006 Whole School Meals won the contract for 21 schools in Deal, Sandwich, Dover and across east Kent.

75% of the company is owned by the schools it serves, with parents and local businesses owning the rest. Each of the school shareholders initially put in ?1,000 and any profits made will be returned to the school community.

Just as the contract was due to start, a loan of ?90,000 from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund came through, as Stephanie explains.

"SJ Davis, the Regional Director of TSELF, was a real help and supported us from the start. The loan came at just the right time and helped pay for initial staffing and equipment costs."

The company has expanded its role and remit over the last three years to include after-school cookery clubs, a cookery summer school and outside catering services. It also offers a consultancy for other social enterprises looking to set up a catering service and for schools looking to bring school meals in-house.

"In my view, whether as schools or parents, we have a responsibility to make sure our children are well fed. With the help of Kent County Council, Whole School Meals has been able to source fresh local ingredients cost-effectively and to produce healthy nutritious meals. We have been able to maintain the quality and affordability of our meals despite falling school numbers and food price increases."

SJ Davis adds: "Whole School Meals offers a valuable service to local schools, providing children with good food at fair prices. However, as a social enterprise, their objectives are more than just commercial.

"From proactively supporting the development of a local supply base for fresh produce, to involving parents, staff and pupils in the development of the company, they are making a real impact on the community they serve and The Social Enterprise Loan Fund is pleased to be supporting them."

"We couldn't have done it without TSELF," concludes Stephanie. "The finance they provided made it all possible."

To find out more about Whole School Meals visit www.wholeschoolmeals.co.uk or call 01304 611010; for more information about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

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