In this edition we are highlighting Autism Plus, a leading force in the North of England supporting individuals with autism, learning disabilities and mental health diagnoses. The charity, which has been in existence for a quarter of a century, has recently expanded its offering to include a range of social enterprises.
We spoke to Philip Bartey, CEO of Autism Plus, who has been with the charity since 2005. His background in the food and drink industry has stood him in good stead for the launch of a number of the charity’s social enterprises, among which is a chocolate factory. He is also Group Chief Executive of The Adsetts Partnership (TAP), of which Autism Plus is a founder member. Not-for-profit organisation TAP links together twenty plus organisations in the region, working in the health, social care and education sectors, to deliver projects to a range of needs groups.
The idea to set up social enterprises grew out of Philip’s experience with the government’s Work Programme, which he describes as less than ideal for those with the kind of needs the charity encounters, and which required heavy subsidising to make it work for Autism Plus’ clients. Other forms of support, such as traditional day services, also fell short of the mark for those who were capable of going into employment with support.
Day services offer occupational activities such as arts and crafts but nothing to give users of the service the foundation or encouragement to go out and seek employment. “These services should be preserved,” Philip observes, in support of people with complex needs, “but not in isolation; rather as part of a progressive model.” With funding for even these day services being cut, it was time for a different approach.
“We should be aiming to build up the confidence and self-esteem of disabled people by offering them the opportunity to have some interesting, dynamic employment with in-house support.”
Social enterprise offered an ideal solution for the charity to do just that. Today, Autism Plus has five social enterprises under its umbrella, each with its own manager. These include Easi Works in Easingwold; Beanstalk Gardens in Sheffield; Mayfield Musical Bell Lyres, also in Sheffield; The INGS Project in Hull delivering meals on wheels on electric bicycles; and a chocolate factory in North Yorkshire.
Mayfield Bell Lyres are sold throughout the UK and exported across the world. Philip recently visited RAF Cranwell to personally deliver the first order for the RAF Air Cadets National Band.
Autism Plus’ latest success story has unfolded in the idyllic setting of Ampleforth Abbey in York, a Benedictine community which dates back to 1802. Derelict farm buildings at Park House Farm were donated to the charity by The Ampleforth Trust, and a bank loan provided the capital for renovations to transform the buildings into a range of micro social enterprises.
A chocolate factory was set up on site and is already producing high-quality chocolates for the wholesale and retail markets, thanks to the leadership of skilled chocolatier Andrew Thwaite, previously Head Chocolatier at York Chocolate Story. The business offers its disabled employees the opportunity to learn a marketable skill in a supportive environment.
“A lot of charities set up social enterprises run entirely by disabled people with no expert support. For each project, we’ve recruited a specialist lead person, with knowledge of the products and market.”
Employees will regularly join the mainstream workforce thanks to the links created by the charity and the skills they have developed in their time working at the social enterprises. Philip highlights the dilemma often encountered by the charity’s clients when looking for work – they have no experience, which employers view as a risk. With up to two years’ experience working in one of the charity’s social enterprises, Autism Plus’ clients become viable and attractive prospects for employers in the area. There are numerous jobs available at Ampleforth itself, from ground maintenance to retail and work in the Abbey’s own cider-making business.
While there are no more new projects in the pipelines for the time being, Autism Plus is starting to look at ways in which their existing businesses can work together across the North of England. The Ampleforth site is also home to a horticultural enterprise, which will produce vegetable boxes for the school and the surrounding community. Beanstalk Gardens in Sheffield also sells organic vegetable produce, and the charity is seeking ways in which they can combine the different varieties of produce grown on the two sites to give customers greater variety and choice.
“Social enterprise is an ideal model provided you treat the social enterprises as businesses.”
So what advice does Philip offer to other charities seeking to run social enterprises? “Like any business,” he advises, “the social enterprise has to succeed and be profitable; the focus should be on products and services, and there should be a clear plan or route to market.” Access to capital funding is as much of a struggle for social enterprises as for any other business, so those running them must be prepared for this.
Hempsons is pleased to have supported Autism Plus over many years, helping it to achieve the success it enjoys today. Ian Hempseed, Head of Charities and Social Enterprise, comments: “It is excellent to see a charity taking on the running of social enterprises, as a way of providing valuable and meaningful benefits to its clients.”
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