Lisburn-based organisation Employers For Childcare, has, in the past year, helped parents to identify £11.6 million in financial support they didn’t know they were entitled to. The staggering figure is revealed in their Social Impact Report published today (Thursday 17 November), to coincide with Social Enterprise Day.
100% of profits made from the organisation’s Social Enterprise businesses - which includes a Childcare Voucher administration service, recruitment packages for childcare providers and High Rise, a state-of-the-art family adventure centre in Lisburn – are donated to fund the work of the charity.
Commenting on the figures, Chief Executive Marie Marin said: “Today we celebrate the role of the Social Enterprise sector and the contribution it makes to our local economy and society. We are very proud to highlight the difference that our organisation is making to the lives of families locally and across the UK. But that pride also belongs to the thousands of individuals and organisations who have made this possible, by choosing to use their purchasing power and ‘buy social’ by working with or visiting our Social Enterprise businesses.
Through the profits we generated, we have been able to provide a free advice service which has helped parents identify £11.6 million in financial support they didn’t know they were entitled to. With costs rising and many families struggling to make ends meet, this service is needed now more than ever.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has visited High Rise, our newest Social Enterprise, which reopened in July and has since welcomed back thousands of excited children and adults for Clip ‘n Climb and soft play fun. With all the profits from High Rise invested in the work of our charity, every visit helps us to continue supporting families.
She continues: “With Christmas coming up, we’d encourage everyone to ‘buy social’ where they can – whether it’s a celebration lunch for the team at one of the many local Social Enterprise cafés, buying gifts for friends, family, or colleagues – or organising a fun day out. With the cost of living crisis hitting hard, the services we provide have never been more needed and like all other businesses, it’s been a difficult and challenging few years, yet our sector continues to innovate, adapt and go from strength to strength. And to anyone who wants to see what social impact looks like in action – I’d encourage you to visit High Rise over Christmas or in the New Year!”
Further information on High Rise, including opening hours and prices, is available at: https://highriseni.org