We are a CIC based in Kent, supporting people with learning difficulties to speak up, make choices and become powerful and influential. We are people with and without learning difficulties and/or autism, working and learning together.
James took great care to understand our methods, cash flow, and the challenges of education funding. His affirmation and rigour, and a kind visit from the loan panel Chair, made us feel genuinely backed during stressful times. KCF went further, connecting us with employers, influencers, and other funding.
Our work
We support people with learning difficulties to speak up, make choices and become powerful and influential. We are people with and without learning difficulties and/or autism, working and learning together. Whether it’s to be seen working, be heard campaigning or belong to a friendly group of people, people achieve their goals with bemix. We support them to gain opportunities and become more independent in learning, housing, work, health, money, travel, leisure and relationships.
We run a Supported Internship programme to offer a yearlong unpaid work placement for 16-24 year olds with a learning disability and/or autism with the aim of continuing in paid work at the end. The programme is an alternative to mainstream college and designed for young people who want to go into employment, but need specialised support to do so.
Revenue model
This was split as a £70,000 unsecured loan and £10,000 grant from Kent Community Foundation. We decided we wanted to share what we do with other people in the area. We have social enterprises including Discovery Catering Café, Eco Shed (woodwork) and West Track Studios.
Impact
Now in our third year with 22 young people, piloting this approach placed huge strain on our workforce and funds. The Kent Social Enterprise Loan was a game changer for us, funding the administration, systems, skills and team needed to reach many more young people.
Six young people were overjoyed to get jobs last year through the internship programme.
Internships with intensive support for interns and employers have proved a powerful new way for Kent’s young people with learning disabilities and autism to achieve paid work. Now in our third year with 22 young people, piloting this approach placed huge strain on our workforce and funds.
Kent Community Foundation is delighted to have been able to loan Bemix CIC the funds with a Kent Social Enterprise Loan Fund to help young people with learning disabilities gain access to their Supported Internship programme. It is amazing to hear what a difference the programme has made in helping the young people gain employment.