It’s that time of year again. The ads are telling you to join a gym, start a diet, or reinvent yourself completely. “New Year, New You,” right?
Well, here at Interlace Creative Print, we’re looking at it a bit differently. We believe the “New You” shouldn’t just be about self-improvement; it should be about community improvement.
We don’t do things by halves, and we certainly don’t do “bland”. That’s why we are incredibly proud to announce that we are wrapping up the year by launching a pioneering social enterprise in partnership with Croydon Mencap.
This isn’t just a collaboration; it’s a commitment. As part of our wider charity and community work, we are combining our print expertise with the untapped creative talent of adults with learning disabilities to build something that generates real pride, real independence, and real support for local families.
Powered by Print, Driven by Purpose
Let’s get one thing straight: this is not about maximising profits for a corporation. This is about generating a sustainable revenue stream that goes directly back into the community.
We are working in alignment with Croydon Mencap to establish a Social Enterprise designed to empower individuals by offering them first-hand experience in business creation and product development.
The concept is simple but powerful:
This funding is vital. It allows Croydon Mencap to continue their tireless work delivering care, support, and -crucially- new life experiences, opportunities and activities (much like this art initiative we’re launching) for people with learning disabilities and their families.
A Real Business for Real People
In our recent campaign video on our socials, you might have met Cameron and Glory, two talented aspiring actors and integral members of Croydon Mencap. They put it better than we ever could.
As they explained, this project is about taking “exciting small steps” to provide artists with a learning disability a chance to showcase their creative skills. But more than that, it helps them to learn how to grow a real enterprise too, by involving them throughout the process as their artworks are developed and prepared for resale.
We aren’t just printing artwork; we are facilitating a platform for confidence, independence, and self-worth.
At Interlace Creative Print, we’ve always said that what you see is what you get. We treat our clients like real people, not invoice numbers. We are bringing that same energy here. We’re not here to take over; we’re here to say, “We’ve got you”. We’ve got the machinery, the knowledge, and the passion to help bring these artists’ visions to life in a way that the market, and the community, will love.
Why “Social Enterprise” Matters
You might hear the word “business” and think of suits and sales targets. Forget that.
This social enterprise is about removing barriers. It’s about ensuring that a diagnosis of a learning disability doesn’t define a person’s potential or their ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
By turning their art into saleable goods, the participants aren’t just “keeping busy”; they are becoming creators and entrepreneurs. They are building something that makes money for their community, funding the very support networks that helped them grow.
As the newsletter announcing our partnership said, the future is bright, and the vibe is, quite frankly, “Bloody Awesome!”
Get Involved: Make 2025 Your Most Creative Year Yet
This venture is still in its early stages: it’s a budding seed that can only grow and mature. But we need you!
If you are an artist with a learning disability who loves to draw, paint, generally be creative, or a family member looking for support caring for a loved one with a learning disability, Croydon Mencap wants to hear from you. Alternatively, if you are a local business who wants to support a supply chain with a heart, this is your call to action.
Sound good? We are ready to chat!
Let’s make this New Year about more than just resolutions; Let’s make it about results!
