Celebrating 10 years of social impact

Community Souls Cleaning Company turns 10 this year as a registered Community Interest Company.

A heartfelt thanks to the incredible team (past & present) who we’ve been fortunate to work with - for all of your talents, hard work and commitment. We wouldn’t be here without any of you. Gratitude to our clients across the private, commercial and voluntary community sectors; for pledging your support and commitment to ethical business values and social impact. 

It’s been an incredible journey of building an idea that started on the Grange Estate, Finchley N2 to a movement that's touched every corner of London. 

The idea was: fairly paid employment for those furthest from the job market, and support for their personal and professional development. A sprinkle of effective branding and marketing, taking the risk in a very competitive market and championing the social value act. 

Too many names to mention but we’d like to shout out and thank Sean OC 🕊️, and for all those that have helped and supported us over the past 10 years. 

#DecadeOfChange

Empowering Change: Support for Social Enterprises in the UK

Social enterprises play a vital role in transforming communities and contributing to the wider economy while addressing pressing social and environmental challenges. In this blog post, we'll delve into what social enterprises are, the benefits they provide to society, and highlight some resources and services available to aspiring social entrepreneurs. 

What is a Social Enterprise?

Social enterprises are businesses driven by a social or environmental mission. They aim to create positive change, channelling their profits towards addressing social issues rather than maximising shareholder returns. These mission-driven organisations are diverse, encompassing various sectors such as education, health, environment, and community development.

Benefits to Communities and the Wider Economy

Social enterprises have a profound impact on both local communities and the broader economy. By tackling social challenges, they contribute to the wellbeing and empowerment of individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion. Moreover, social enterprises often operate in underserved areas, revitalising neighbourhoods and creating job opportunities. According to Social Enterprise UK, there are over 100,000 social enterprises in the UK, collectively employing over 2 million people and generating £60 billion in revenue annually. These statistics highlight the significant role social enterprises play in driving positive social change while fostering economic growth.

Resources and Services for Aspiring Social Entrepreneurs:

Social Enterprise UK (SEUK): As the national membership body for social enterprises, SEUK provides invaluable resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities. Their website offers a wealth of information, case studies, and research to support budding social entrepreneurs.

UnLtd: UnLtd is a foundation that provides funding, mentorship, and support to individuals looking to launch social ventures. Their "Thrive" and "Grow It" programs offer tailored assistance to early-stage and established social enterprises.

School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE): SSE empowers social entrepreneurs through diverse learning programmes, fellowship opportunities, and specialist support. 

Borough of Barnet Support: Local initiatives like Barnet Together offer funding and support to projects addressing social challenges within the borough. Additionally, Barnet Council’s website offers information on free training, events and support schemes for businesses.

Practical Tips and Services: Saving Money Made Easy!

Each month, we produce a newsletter where we share practical information and resources to support the personal and professional development of our staff and beneficiary network. In this post, we're highlighting some valuable money-saving tips and services that we've shared in recent editions. 

Social Tariffs for Phone and Broadband:

If you claim Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or certain other benefits, you may be eligible for social tariffs from your phone and broadband provider/s. These tariffs offer the same services but at a lower price. Switching to a social tariff is free of charge, so don't hesitate to explore this money-saving option.

WaterSure Bill Cap and WaterHelp Schemes:

The WaterSure bill cap and WaterHelp schemes provide additional support to households who find it hard to pay their water bills. Designed for low-income households, those with large families, and individuals with water-dependent medical conditions, these schemes aim to ease the financial burden and ensure access to this essential resource.

Freecycle and Freegle: Sharing and Reusing:

Looking for free items or wanting to declutter? Consider joining platforms like Freecycle and Freegle. These peer-to-peer exchange services allow users to post items they no longer need or request items they're seeking. From clothes and furniture to toys and kitchen equipment, you'll find a variety of items available. It's a great way to reduce waste and connect with your local community.

Online Shopping Savings:

Maximise your online shopping savings with cashback offers from TopCashback and Quidco. These platforms provide cashback rewards for selected retailers, helping you get some money back on your purchases. Additionally, tools like Pouch and Honey automatically find and apply online voucher codes, making sure you never miss out on potential discounts. For Amazon shoppers, websites like Camel, Camel, Camel and PriceRunner help track prices, ensuring you get the best deals and alerts when items are back in stock, with PriceSpy and Love The Sales offering a similar service.

At Community Souls, we believe in providing practical support to help you overcome everyday challenges and achieve financial well-being. By utilising social tariffs, exploring water bill support, participating in sharing communities, and taking advantage of online shopping tools, you can save money and make smarter financial decisions. 

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK - 15th-21st May 23

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is ‘anxiety’. 

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems affecting millions of people in the UK. A survey by the Mental Health Foundation found that more than a third of adults feel anxious about their financial situation.

Mental Health & Money Advice is the first UK-wide service to combine support for both mental health and financial problems. Their website provides free and impartial information, support, and advice for anyone affected by mental health and money issues. That includes support for friends, families and carers, and includes:

• Expert advice

• Free financial tools and calculators

• Sample letters and templates

• Real-life stories

• Useful contacts

Access the Mental Health & Money Toolkit here

The Real Living Wage

Community Souls Cleaning Company is proud to be among the 12,000+ businesses in the UK to voluntarily pay the real Living Wage. 

In April 2016 the government introduced a higher minimum wage rate for all staff over 25 years of age, calling it the ‘national living wage’. However, this wage is not calculated according to what employees and their families need to live. The real Living Wage rates are higher because they are independently calculated based on what people need to get by. 

For 2023 the real Living Wage rate is set at £11.95 per hour in London (and £10.90 per hour in the rest of the UK) compared with the national living wage of £10.42 per hour for adults aged over 23.

As living costs continue to rise, paying a fair wage has never been more important and this is why we remain committed to being part of the real living wage movement. 

To find out more about the Living Wage Foundation, visit livingwagefoundation.org.uk. 

ART AGAINST KNIVES

Our director Rickardo Stewart (and his work at Art Against Knives) was recently featured in a new video - Check out whats going over at AAK

COMMUNITY SOULS - BICSc

We’re delighted to announce our corporate membership with BICSc. A massive thank you for your continued support and the recognition of our social impact and community work.

JOIN OUR CLEANING TEAM

Join Community Souls Cleaning Company Team !

We’re looking for dynamic, flexible and motivated people to join our growing team of professional cleaners. We often have part-time + full-time cleaner positions available, in various locations across London. All roles are paid at the London Living Wage or above.
All our cleaning staff have access to our in-house personal development coach lead; providing both employment and personal development support.

If you’re interested or know someone that is please complete our expression of interest form HERE

We look forward to hearing from you.

GOLDFINGER

We’re delighted to announce that Goldfinger, an award winning social enterprise has recently joined our portfolio of cleaning clients.

Goldfinger pride themselves in showing the world that bespoke furniture, can and should be, planet and people positive.

ART AGAINST KNIVES IS LOOKING FOR TRUSTEES

Art Against Knives is on the look out for some new Trustees to join their board.

Are you up for it? Check out our full recruitment pack HERE for all the information you need. New to being a Trustee? Check out www.gettingonboard.org they have have amazing resources for aspiring Trustees. 

Please do drop them a line if you’d like to have a chat about anything hello@artagainstknives.com 

ART AGAINST KNIVES SPACE HIVE CROWD FUNDER

Art Against Knives Creative Studio has been open for 6 years & it’s at risk of closing. We need your help to keep it open. Check out their campaign & amazing film that explains all.

Please donate & share, share, share.

CONDUIT CAPITAL

We’re delighted to announce that Conduit Capital has recently joined our portfolio of cleaning clients. This is a fantastic opportunity for Community Souls Cleaning Company in widening our social impact, reach and promoting our values through our cleaning service delivery.

COMMUNITY SOULS IOSH ACCREDITED

Community Souls Cleaning Company is pleased to announce that we have been successful in completing ‘Managing Safely’; a course approved and validated by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (ISOH) in association with HSQE.

We’re proud to know that our approach and professional standards within safety and health has been recognised by ISOH and we look forward to continuing our delivery of cleaning services.

Certificate No. 980-HSQE7-19478

COMMUNITY SOULS SPOTLIGHT BLOG W/ CITIZENS UK

THE CAMPAIGN FOR A REAL LIVING WAGE - Launched by Citizens UK in 2001, the Living Wage campaign has won over £1.3 billion of additional wages, lifting over 240,000 people out of working poverty.

Citizens UK is campaigning to ask every employer to step up and ensure that all their staff and contractors, from cleaners, to security guards to catering staff, get at least the real Living Wage.

Citizens UK has featured Community Souls Cleaning Company as their spotlight Living Wage quest - Click HERE to have a read.

YOUNG BARNET FOUNDATION

We’re delighted to announce that the Young Barnet Foundation has recently joined our portfolio of cleaning clients. Community Souls is now delivery weekly cleaning services to YBF space in EN4.

TARLING RD COMMUNITY HUB

Charity, City YMCA London has chosen Community Souls Cleaning Company to provide commercial cleaning for the Tarling Road Community Hub (previously The Old Barn) in East Finchley, N2.

“This is an exciting contract for us for a number of reasons; personally growing up in area and now being able to offer local employment opportunities. We look forward to working with City YMCA, widening our social impact and reaching the community effectively.” Rickardo, Director - CSCC.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

It’s estimated that 4.7 billion plastic straws are used each year in England. To help stem the problem of ocean plastic waste, a ban on single-use plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds was introduced in October, making it illegal for businesses to sell or supply these items in England. 

Noplasticstraws.co.uk is an online retailer and supplier of dishwasher-safe reusable straws. Based in North London, the company is currently offering local businesses working in the hospitality sector free bamboo and stainless steel straws to use in their venues as alternatives to paper/plastic. 

“The hospitality industry is having a really difficult time at the moment and while sustainability is still seen as important, it has understandably slipped down the priority during this pandemic. We’re offering our straws free-of-charge to help reduce waste and to support businesses working in a sector which is so important to both the wider economy and our local communities”. 

If you run a business and would like to receive some free straws, contact the team at info@noplasticstraws.co.uk.

COMMUNITY SOULS - BACK IN BUSINESS

We’re delighted to be back in business now that our spaces of work and life are slowly beginning to reopen. 

In light of COVID-19, we’re launching our ‘Community Souls Confidence Pledge’. A commitment to providing a safe and quality service & to delivering social value.

Never has there been a more important time to be creating essential jobs for people in our community who are furthest from the market. We all have a role to play in helping those who have been hit the hardest as a result of COVD-19. We also have the opportunity to honour our recognition of cleaners as key-workers; ensuring we continue to value this incredible workforce as life returns to normal. 

By booking our services - YOU will achieve all of this.

ART AGAINST KNIVES X APPLE

BLM // COMMUNITY SOULS

We stand in solidarity with the fight for justice and equality and will continue to invest in the community.

We Are Community Souls.