“An inspiring partnership, recognising and developing creative solutions to local social issues in the most effective way. Barkers and Bolton Family are a compelling example of people coming together from right across the community, with passion, authenticity and trust.”– BiTC ‘Connected Places Award’ judge
At Barkers we aim to delivery £2m in social value every year based on our pro bono advisory work to the charity sector and the value created by LifeScape, our own Social Enterprise. In 2018 we created LifeScape, a grounds maintenance business supporting groups of excluded workers – from ex-offenders to those leaving care or the armed forces and the long-term unemployed – in the North-West. Whilst the capital investment in depots, vans, buildings and equipment has been significant, the investment of time from Barkers staff has been massive. The senior management team have personally dedicated many 100s of days into the development of LifeScape.
Even in the most civilised societies gaps exist through which individuals can fall. Many people leave education with limited or no qualifications, some drift into criminality or substance issues, the least fortunate can end up living on the streets. Without the right opportunities or because of a few ill-advised decisions that could be any one of us. At LifeScape, we teach all our employees skills and trades, and introduce them to environments through which they can learn how best to function as part of a team and develop as individuals.
Lifescape work on projects for businesses and organisations which rejuvenate their surroundings. From graffiti removal and litter picking, to hedge trimming and grounds maintenance. And many more services in between. All monies that are generated from our projects are re-invested into the people who bring them to life.
For the organisation employing Lifescape, it might just be an overdue site renovation, for the individuals carrying out the work, it’s another step towards a new and better life. LifeScape is a proud member of Social Enterprise UK, a recognised Disability Confident employer, and is fully signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant.