Social Enterprise two.

SPARK FABRICATIONS and FRAMING

Spark framing and fabrications is a social enterprise offering a full range of fabricated steel products and picture framing services to commercial and domestic markets. We operate from our premises in Southampton and are owned by our parent organisation Two Saints Housing Association. Spark Fabrications and Framing was established in June 2009, although the sheltered workshop from which it grew – Patrick House Workshops has been in existence since 1993.

HOW THEY SUPPORT HOMELESS PEOPLE

SPARK fabrications and Framing is wholly owned subsidiary of Two Saints Housing Association. Two Saints work with those at risk of homelessness across Hampshire, West Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Two Saints aim is to make major Improvements to its clients lives by offering specialist housing, support and learning services. 

SPARK’s purpose is to maintain existing, and grow a range of new opportunities for those at risk of homelessness to gain confidence, stability, skills and employment. SPARK is essentially about empowerment of its clients in the broadest sense. It has a significant aim around changing perceptions and stereotypes around homeless communities and allowing all to feel ownership of their own development.

SPARK has opportunities in four key areas:

  •  Engagement – (arts and crafts, woodwork and garden maintenance)
  • Development – (Increasing skill based development and revolving issues around informal learning opportunities and practical skills development
  • Job/Training Readiness and support – (Formal and informal work experience placements and practical confidence boosting and providing support to the client whilst settling in)
  • Maintenance – ( Use if workshops to help clients to remain sustainably settled in the community, being engaged in activities and receiving emotional and practical support where needed)

A high % of their staff which are paid have either been homeless or have experienced homelessness.

95% of their volunteers are homeless or have experienced homelessness.

WHY THEY ARE A GOOD BUSINESS MODEL

SPARK is working towards self sufficient sustainability to alleviate the reliance on grant funding and organisational reserves.

In order to achieve this they plan to focus on:

  • Promotion and sales in domestic and commercial markets –  by increasing exposure, advertising, relationship development and focussing on surety of delivery and quality, price competitive products.
     
  • Increasing service user outcomes – While the business is developing to a sustainable position there are opportunities and risks to SU outcomes. The Opportunities are naturally occurring skills and confidence development, work training and experience placements as the business and staff tea, grow. The risks are around the focus on profitability taking away from the client’s outcomes. To support the development of efficient client outcomes we have solicited 22k per year for 2 years from the LA to fund work development, training, work readiness experience and funding via personalised budgets.

FIND OUT MORE

Want more information?
Visit the Spark Fabrication and Framing website and Two Saints.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We welcome visits from potential partners and customers and our sales and development ream are happy to travel to potential customers without obligation.

All products with 100% feel good factor absolutely free!!