WE WENT: UnLtd At City Hall – Doing Good Through Food

We sent Hannah to UnLtd at City Hall – Doing Good Through Food, an event to raise awareness of the fantastic work and impact that social entrepreneurs do. Hannah had the opportunity to meet with and learn a little about each company and how they support people that may otherwise not have the opportunity.

UnLtd at City Hall – Doing Good Through Food was a lovely event and I am so grateful to have been invited. I met some inspiring people that have created opportunities for others that have improved their lives and those around them. Here are a few of the people that I met…

• DanceSyndrome

Inspired by her love to dance, Jen Blackwell started her own inclusive dance company as there simply was no other suitable training for people with learning disabilities. Now a successful and inspiring company, DanceSyndrome proves that no matter what the obstacle, passion and perseverance will always win.

“I’ve always wanted to share my passion for dance with others and to get everybody dancing.” Jen Blackwell

Jen danced for us, to Alexandra Burke’s Hallelujah and it was both moving and beautiful to watch. However, an interactive fun surprise was to come as she and her dance company then led us through a routine to Katy Perry’s Firework, which left us all smiling.

• Hackney Herbal

Hackney Herbal promotes wellbeing and mindfulness with herb inspired activities, such as tea blending, first aid and soap making. They sell locally grown tea blends and even host corporate volunteer days so that companies can donate their time and help Hackney Herbal fund and support mental health in the community.

• This Because

This Because is an online website that sells an assortment of products that are socially responsible and thoughtful. With a vast selection of goods, such as, wallets made from an old fire-hose, tote bags made from a bouncy castle and Gin made using African Botanicals that donate 15% of their proceeds to African Elephant charities to help fight against the ivory trade, it is clear that This Because is a modern and innovative business that supports sustainable recycling and charities worth fighting for.

• Cally Munchy

Cally Munchy is another fabulous brand. They host supper clubs, sell at street food events and are hoping to have a more permanent base soon. They mix ingredients from different cultures to create a fusion of delicious food. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of their goods goes to fund the Brixton Soup Kitchen. I had the opportunity to try their yummy chili jam… it was spicy!

• More Brands

Well Grounded: A specialty coffee academy that supports work placement, education and training.

Canvas Coffee: A coffee shop that offers courses to people in recovery from alcoholism or drug addiction.

Miss Macaroon: This company makes and sells delicious macaroons, whilst helping young people, by giving them an opportunity to gain confidence with work experience,  chef training and other courses.

Chattermats: A company that created and designed place-mats to help inspire children with additional needs, so that they could better communicate, learn and interact with one another.

Fat Macy’s: This company provides catering training in hostels across London and puts on supper clubs. They work with young Londoners living in temporary accommodation to create culinary pop-up events across the capital. They build pathways towards independent living by helping to save money towards deposits.

Stories On Our Plate: A creative culinary training course that puts on supper clubs for refugee chefs.

Papi’s Pickles: They create employment for women who relocated to the UK after the Sri Lanka conflict. Currently available at Borough Market, their food is colourful and delicious.

Audacious Veg: They grow veg and edible flowers and can even show you how to make a cocktail with them! They support unemployed Londoners and cater for parties and events. They offer corporate days so that your company can volunteer and help to plant veg!

Ignition Brewery: A micro brewery that hires and supports people with learning disabilities. I had the pleasure of chatting to a few of their team, Michaela and Matthew, who were passionate and excited about the beer they brew.

Top Takeaway:

It was wonderful to meet such inspiring people that are creating businesses that are inclusive and thoughtful, with opportunities for all. The world can only benefit when people are kind, generous and creative.