In 2008 42 women undertook volunteer placements at our women’s Project.

Chandarani on a Social Enterprise Course

Chandarani found that our flexible courses allowed her to start building up skills whilst still looking after her children, one of whom has an acute mental disability. Having never used a computer before, she began with a series of basic IT courses before progressing onto admin and public-speaking training. On the latter she learned to confront some of her fears, and even discovered ways to speak out and demand the best care for her son.

As part of an initiative to launch three new enterprises at our women’s project, Chandarani undertook a business development course which ran alongside the real development of Flavour Gateway, a new catering social enterprise. She is now a central figure in the management team of the business with a role involving teaching volunteers, researching healthy food and helping see the business plan realised. The team offers a professional catering service, offering employment opportunities for other local women, whilst also running a subsidised community cafe at the centre.

To find out more about our social enterprises, the professional services they offer or the ways in which they're bringing hope to Tower Hamlets, please explore the Enterprise Hub section of this website.