Words by Smiley Team
“For me, what’s important is giving somebody a chance to dream, to believe there might be more possibilities out there…”
Bridget Callaghan has turned her own dreams into reality, setting up a business she is passionate about, which helps young people from marginalised, inner-city communities get on to the employment ladder. It was whilst working for a south London youth group in 2011 that she noticed how young people were struggling to get jobs.
“They had been putting their CVs into the job centre, but getting nowhere,” she says. “Employers wanted people who were much more ‘work ready.’ So I had been trying to figure out how these young people could get sustained employment.”
With a food industry background on her own CV, Bridget and a friend came up with the idea of Well Kneaded, a social enterprise selling sourdough pizza (“the way they make it in Naples.”) Lacking the investment for a restaurant, they bought a van to sell street food, starting with a pitch in their neighbourhood. Catering for parties and weddings soon followed, and two years ago they opened a pizzeria in Earlsfield, south London. Every step of the way, the business has provided internships for young people, developed via partnerships with local charities and churches. It’s been an award-winning success so far, although the support hasn’t always been forthcoming.
“People saw a lot of barriers,” says Bridget. “Obviously taking on somebody who’s never had a job before, or not finished school, can be a tricky prospect. Sometimes it is. But having young people struggle against this kind of prejudice is a real injustice.”
Their employees have included Seth, an ex-young offender who stayed for a few years, and now works with a charity inspiring other ex-young offenders to turn their lives around. Then there’s Carl, who was a shy and nervous twenty-something who had struggled to find a job before meeting Bridget and co. He still works with the company, and his newfound confidence has made him something of a local star to the pizzeria’s customers.
With sustainability also a key ingredient to the business, from sourcing organic food to using an environmentally friendly energy company, Well Kneaded is keen to make a positive difference.
“Yes, we want to make an impact,” Bridget concludes. “The employment factor is key, because you start with one person, and that can benefit their family, and then the wider community. They become ambassadors for what can be achieved.”
To hire Well Kneaded or find out more information, get in contact at www.wellkneadedfood.com or @WellKneadedFood
By Theo Hooper
