Jack visits Big Society project in Staple Hill

David Cameron has made social entrepreneurialism a key part of his Big Society agenda. He wants to see individuals enabled to help themselves and others by using their own skills to give a direction and meaning to their lives that may have otherwise been lacking. A great example of this is the Compass Project in Staple Hill.

Kevin Neal set up the Compass Project in Staple Hill in May 2011, and he is helping ex-addicts to gain a structure and purpose to their lives that may otherwise be missing whilst living on benefits. They are trained to repair and improve donated second-hand furniture, giving them skills that can be brought before any new employer at interview, and are given a structure and purpose to their working day that will be necessary for any long term position they may find. Jack visited their site in Staple Hill for a tour of the premises and a chat about what they are trying to achieve.

'This is the perfect Big Society project,' commented Jack. 'I am hugely impressed with the vision Kevin has for the business, and the plans he has to help those less fortunate to gain skills and experience at the same time.'

Kevin is looking to grow the business and raise its profile, and has plans to increase the number of ex-addicts that he helps off benefits and into work. 'Kevin deserves a huge amount of credit for what he is doing. He recognises the limited amount that the state can do to help benefit recipients back into work, and it is through individuals like him that the Big Society will grow and flourish.'

Jack is pictured with Kevin at the Compass Project's premises, which can be found at 58/60 Broad Street, Staple Hill.

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