One small change to your shopping habits can make all the difference to people across the UK and the rest of the world.
How? That’s the magic of social enterprise.
There are 100,000 social enterprises in the UK, contributing £60 billion to the economy and employing 2 million people according to research from Social Enterprise UK.
Social Saturday allows social enterprises across Britain to shout about the work they do, putting their profits back into people and planet to make the world a better place. Instead of going into a shareholder’s back pocket, all the money made is put towards training, employment, housing or health, education and clean water.
Taking place this year on October 13, Social Saturday champions these businesses striving to make a difference and there’s plenty on to get you involved in the festivities.
But if you prefer to shop from the comfort of your front room, don’t fear. The Big Issue Shop is here to help with a special Social Saturday collection offering some of the best ways to give a little back. Here’s just some of the social enterprises making up our #SocialSaturday2018 collection. Get shopping!
Give a little love
From Babies With Love is an old favourite in The Big Issue Shop. The infant-wear brand has been shortlisted at the Social Enterprise UK Awards this year after investing profits into giving kids around the world a fair start in life.
More than just a baby brand; From Babies With Love donates 100 per cent of its profits to supporting orphaned and abandoned children around the world. The award-winning, design-led and ethically sourced range of products allow kids to grow up in loving family homes, ensuring that every child has a fair start in life, no matter where they’re born.
By royal appointment
Not for profit Studio 306 hit the headlines this Spring when project manager Pamela Anomneze was invited to the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for her tireless work with the CIC and her local community.
The community interest company, which specialises in designing high quality ceramics, jewellery, sewing craft and screen printed products has its studio in Haringey, North London. It empowers disadvantaged local individuals by offering a creative space for those who are recovering from mental illness, where they can rediscover forgotten skills, develop new ones and boost their confidence within a working environment.
Unfolding power
Secret Projects pillows, quilts and saris are made in India by women facing social and economic challenges. The money they earn affords them an opportunity to better support themselves. But Secret Projects founder Fritha wants more women to get involved in making a difference. Through sharing her story, Fritha inspires other social entrepreneurs, particularly young women, to find their social passion.
Who runs the world?
