Norwich group boosts the local community

An organisation in Norwich is helping inspire and support local communities through a range of events.

‘The Shoebox Enterprise’, based at Castle Meadow, offers a number of services including community support groups, hidden street tours and even an escape game, with the aim to build “resilient communities and empower local people.”

'The Shoebox Enterprise' (Photo: Joe Bunker)

Willow Farrell, the general manager of the organisation, explained more about the social enterprise and their mission.

She said, “we’re a profit-for-purpose organisation…so we host a range of different visitor experiences and all of the profits from those then allows us to do our community work.”

“So our main mission is to create supportive environments for people to connect with each other and opportunities to find fulfillment.

“In practice that means we host a wide range of community groups at our community hub on Castle Meadow. So it’s a little bit of everything with lots of kind of peer support and just social groups where people can build connections and hopefully have a really nice time.”

One of the events held by ‘The Shoebox’ is Norwich’s hidden street tour. The tour allows visitors to explore a hidden street dating back to the 15th century which lies beneath Castle Meadow.

The hidden street is located beneath 'The Shoebox' on Castle Meadow (Photo: Joe Bunker)

The social enterprise has also been having a positive effect on its member's mental health. According to their social impact report 76% of members said their feelings of loneliness had improved because of ‘The Shoebox.’

Another programme run by the organisation is ‘Baking for Wellbeing’, with the aim of bringing people together to improve their well-being and also learn a new skill.

Mark Ahier runs the baking group and said, “I have a strong interest in mental health, having had episodes of anxiety and depression throughout my adult life. I’ve had lots of support over the years and… one of the things that helps me is baking!”

The social enterprise is also continuing to grow in the area with a new ‘Shoebox’ community being set up in Great Yarmouth.

"A very rewarding place to work"