Where is your project based?
We are based in Pontypridd, South Wales and cover as much of Wales as we can. We also work to develop our self-reliant groups in the Bristol/Gloucester area.
What problem are you solving?
We tackle poverty, unemployment and social isolation in a sustainable way through encouraging independence and self-reliance. We believe every individual is valuable and has something to contribute so we look for their potential, for the skills and ideas they might already have and enable them to build on that.
How do you do this?
There are two key things that we do:
- Microfinance: small loans to individuals who are unable to access finance from other sources. The loans are used to start or run a small business.
- Self-reliant groups (SRGs): support to create groups among those who are left behind by the economy and society, enabling their members to rebuild confidence, develop skills, test income generating ideas and save.
What difference are you making?
96% of our borrowers are on benefits when they receive our loan – in the last 5 years we have helped more than 500 people out of unemployment and into a small business. We have 30 groups running, supporting over 200 people – all groups are saving money, generating income in a wide range of ways and all members have increased involvement in their communities and are creating new pathways and opportunities for themselves.
“I can’t tell you what it means to have someone believe in you after years of bad times” (a borrower)
“Social Services should divert funding to you – you are the only organization who has ever done anything meaningful for my son” (father of a self-reliant group member)
Twitter: @purpleshoots
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07726 599267
