Homeless people are getting the chance to put their life back on track with a new Dragons’ Den-style business scheme.
Their numbers across the land have soared above 250,000 – with nearly a quarter of those in London.
But homeless charity Evolve Housing + Support is now doing its bit to help with a business project that aims to tap into the skills of those people.
They sign up as students on an eight-week entrepreneurship programme funded by Hammerson’s Centrale Shopping Centre with mentoring by charity ambassador and Apprentice star Bianca Miller-Cole, 28.
She has given classes on branding and business ideas.
The students learnt about marketing, using social media and accessing funding.
They made 60-second “Dragons’ Den” pitches to businesses which helped mentor them – as practice for when they seek funding to launch their ideas.
Ten recruits graduated last week, receiving certificates and a laptop.
Course leader Jon Deakin, area manager for the London-based charity, said: “I’ve been incredibly impressed by the ideas of those on the course.
“When you become homeless, people make assumptions and they put you in a box that you’re never going to achieve anything, that you’re going to be dependent on welfare for life. Actually they have the same dreams and aspirations and goals as the rest of us. They are incredibly intelligent and come to us with a wealth of experience and life lessons. They just need the right people to give them a chance and that’s what this is all about.”
Next step for the graduates is a three-day business course at Start Up Croydon – then access to a year’s worth of funding to help launch their businesses.
Mentor Bianca, who was second on The Apprentice in 2014, added: “There’s a lot of untapped potential among homeless people. Others don’t see the person and the skills that they may have had prior to becoming homeless that can now be adapted. It’s about changing that mindset and helping people understand homelessness as a bigger picture.
“It’s also getting homeless people to think about what they were doing before and regain their confidence.”
Bianca – seen below, centre, with graduates – has urged the likes of Apprentice host Lord Sugar to get involved with the project.
She added: “There are ideas that are credible and an investor like Lord Sugar should be looking at supporting people who are not just the typical entrepreneur and looking at programmes like this to strengthen and build a community.
“But also to make someone who is not typical the next success story.”
- You can find out more about the project at evolvehousing.org.uk.
Zania Chaves
Her idea: Panic alarm jewellery
Zania aims to make necklaces or bracelets fitted with an alarm button which wearers can press if they feel under threat. Hairdressing clients told her security jewellery would ease their mind. Investment needed: £5,000.
Her story: Zania, 22, was a hairdresser but things went pear-shaped when she left home after rowing with her mum. Zania ended up living in a park. She said: “At first I thought it was OK because no one could tell me what to do. But when the reality hit home, it was winter and I began to feel scared and vulnerable.
“I spent a week on the streets before Evolve found me and helped me into accommodation. Since going on the course I have now moved into my own flat and am excited about developing my business idea.”
Zania will also create an app so the jewellery wearer can be tracked.
David Rogers
His idea: Social counselling service
David plans a counselling service with a social conscience whereby fees from 60 per cent of private clients would fund free counselling for 40 per cent of people in need, allowing them long-term help. Investment needed: £4,000.
His story: David, 49,had a £45,000 job in IT with company car, a wife and two children – but lost it all after mental health problems. He lived in a hostel then was jailed for five months for breaking a restraining order.
He said: “From a job and lovely family to nothing is really tough. I lost all my self-esteem. I was on the streets for a week when a charity helped me get some accommodation. Now I have a studio flat in Croydon, so I’m grateful and training as a psychotherapist.
“I’ve worked with the charity Crisis and Evolve and last year was invited to Downing Street to meet Theresa May to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Crisis.”
Treon Harris and Ezra Falk
Their idea: One-arm shoelace tie
They aim to create a mechanical device that will allow people with only one arm to tie their shoelaces. The technological gadget will guide the laces so that they effectively tie themselves. Investment needed: £5,000.
Their story: Ezra, 20, was born with only one arm and has found many things in life a struggle – especially doing up his laces. So he and best friend Treon decided to develop technology to help people with the same difficulty. Ezra was bullied for having one arm and found life tough.
Growing up together the pair found themselves with nowhere to live and were given a placement at Evolve’s centre in Stockwell, South London, where they have worked on their idea.
Treon, 19, said: “I’ve seen the challenges Ezra has overcome and I’m proud of him. We hope to use his experience to launch our business.”
Henri Mangounga
His idea: Social enterprise restaurant
Henri wants to serve fusion foods inspired by his mother’s recipes and employing those from a homeless background. He would work with agencies to offer catering or front-of-house jobs. Investment needed: £10,000.
His story: Trained chef Henri, 59, worked with the likes of Gordon Ramsay and Gary Rhodes before ending up sleeping on a park bench in Croydon.
He said: “I came to the UK from The Congo in 1993 and trained as a chef in 1995. But when my marriage broke down I found myself homeless. I was sleeping on the streets and going to work. Then I developed a blood clot in my leg and was unable to work.
“But I never lost hope. I’ve been homeless for three years, spending a year on the streets, but I am now looking forward to giving someone else a chance to get their life back.”