Rise Bakery, part of London homelessness charity Providence Row, was named Social Enterprise of the Year at Homeless Link’s Excellence Awards on Tuesday 3 July 2018.
The bakery, run from Providence Row’s day centre, combines a supported bakery trainee scheme for people affected by homelessness with an online brownie order business. With a strong online platform and an exciting contemporary brand Rise delivers post box friendly boxes all across the country to city corporates, retail customers, cafes and markets.
Providing quality training trainees is essential to Rise Bakery who work with some of the most difficult to reach people. Their trainees are often affected by multiple disadvantages, such as rough sleeping, mental health and drug and alcohol issues, which can prevent them from gaining training and employment opportunities. Rise gives them something to be part of, motivates them as they tackle the issues they’re facing, and gives them to confidence to move towards employment.
Providence Row’s Director of Services Dominic Gates said: “We are thrilled to have received this prestigious award. We are particularly proud as it recognises not just the quality of the products or the success of the business, but also the most important thing – the social impact for those taking part in the training.”
The Homeless Link Excellence Awards showcase the innovative, effective work that homelessness organisations are doing around the country to support those experiencing homelessness. The Social Enterprise of the year award recognises social enterprises that can demonstrate a clear vision, strategic direction and business excellence alongside a social impact that is creating better outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness.
