As we celebrate Social Enterprise Day this November, it’s the perfect opportunity to highlight inspiring initiatives such as our Bike Project and The Kitchen Café. Designed to offer more than just bicycles and coffee, DENS’ Social Enterprise Projects provide a supportive environment where our clients can learn new skills, improve their employment prospects and reduce feelings of isolation.
What is the DENS Bike Project?
DENS Bike Project is more than a bike shop. It’s a community initiative that provides affordable, quality bicycles, while promoting sustainability and offering skill-building opportunities. The project takes in unwanted bikes, which are then reconditioned and sold at affordable prices. By encouraging the recycling and reuse of bicycles, DENS supports environmental sustainability and reducing waste. But that’s not all – we also provide a comprehensive servicing offer that’s rated 5 stars on Google.
Beyond promoting sustainable transportation, the Bike Project has a significant social mission. It provides training opportunities for local individuals experiencing unemployment, homelessness and low self-esteem. Our clients gain hands-on experience in bike repair and maintenance, problem solving and more; skills that can help them find employment within the bike industry or related fields.
The Kitchen Café: A Joint Venture
DENS also operates a social enterprise café in partnership with another local charity, Sunnyside Rural Trust. The café serves a range of food and beverages within The Forum, home to Dacorum Borough Council. Like the Bike Project, the café is a training ground, offering employment opportunities for those in need of work experience or a stepping stone to re-entering the workforce.
The café staff is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those who may have faced barriers to employment. Here, they gain practical skills in customer service, food handling, team work and more. This real-world experience can be invaluable for individuals as they seek permanent employment or further training.
Impact on the Community
The income generated from both projects is reinvested to support the continuation of the support we provide. This approach embodies the heart of social enterprise, where business and mission work hand-in-hand.
Both projects not only help our clients gain skills and confidence, but also foster a sense of purpose and belonging. Many individuals who have benefited from these projects are able to find employment or pursue further training, creating a ripple effect of positive change in the community.
For many individuals, the project has been a lifeline, providing not just skills, but also the hope and confidence to take steps toward a brighter future. James said of The Bike Project: “I feel much happier within myself. I found something I could relate to and get my head stuck into.” Kevin, who took part in work experience at our café said: “I’ve been able to control my mental health issues when working with the café. I really enjoy meeting the customers and providing a service.”
Since their inception, our Social Enterprise Projects have supported 54 individuals to learn new skills, improve their confidence and move closer to the workforce.
4 Ways You Can Help
- Consider The Bike Project when next in the market for a bike, cycling accessories, or a service. We even have an eBay shop!
- Pop in to The Forum on Marlowes for a coffee, sandwich or cake from The Kitchen Cafe.
- Make a donation through the Extra Mile campaign to directly support our life-changing projects and services.
- Follow, like and share our social media accounts to help spread the word.