Verena Niyadurupola is the Founder and CEO of Rippleacts, a social enterprise which coaches the long-term unemployed in Norfolk – and recently published its first ever impact report. Here, Verena explains the impact it has had on the people it has supported
For those not in the know, what is Rippleacts and why did you start it?
Rippleacts is a Norwich-based social enterprise that was formed in November 2022. We empower people who are long-term out of work to rediscover their strengths and self-confidence and ultimately get back to work or come closer to it.
After working for years in the charity sector in Norfolk, my goal was to offer a different approach to support long-term unemployed people, starting from their self-perceptions and fears rather than their CVs. I wanted to help people to reconnect to who they are, what they are passionate about, and own the value they can bring to the world. This seemed to be an important puzzle piece missing in the existing support; and one that makes all other types of help more likely to be fruitful.
What exactly does Rippleacts do?
We created a cognitive-behavioural group coaching programme where people come together over eight weeks to do an array of evidence-based, self-insightful and creative activities under the leadership of a specialised and experienced life coach.
Once they have completed their coaching course, our participants can get involved in what we call a “Ripple” project. These are small hands-on projects that create an improvement for other charitable organisations. Our participants further grow their confidence and skill set while creating a positive ripple effect for the local community. Additionally, they can also work with – or become themselves – a peer mentor, and we continue to support them individually, signposting and connecting them with opportunities.
What impact has the social enterprise had since launching in 2022?
Since we started, to date we have directly supported 87 people. From our evaluation data we know that for almost 90% of our participants our work helped make a positive change to their lives. Around 70-80% showed improvements in wellbeing, self-confidence and reduced fears. Around 60% have moved on to working, volunteering or training after taking part in our programme. You can see more about our impact and read some case studies in our recently published first ever impact report on our website.
What can you say about the latest community garden project and how it has helped people?
Our latest “Ripple” project was for St Augustine’s Church in Norwich, in which we transformed a plain patch of grass into a vibrant community garden for everyone to enjoy.
Our team of participants, under professional guidance, added lots of beautiful new features including a wildlife friendly garden, a stone path for contemplation and a herb and vegetable garden. For them, it was a wonderful chance to exercise their creative and team working skills, learn new gardening skills and work together to create this cohesive and calming space.
We completed the project in July, and the Church called it the highlight of the summer! Many of the local community and local Church members don’t have gardens of their own, so it’ll provide an opportunity for people to enjoy some nature and connect with other people. You can read more about the project on the website.
What is new for Ripple Acts – have you moved into new offices?
Indeed! Earlier this year, we moved into Carrow House, and we are thrilled to be part of such a vibrant and innovative home to like-minded non-profit organisations working to make Norfolk a better place.
In other news, we have recently launched a Neurodiversity at Work training for employers, co-created and delivered together with some of our participants with living experience. Over the past two years, as we’ve supported more people, our passion for promoting inclusive employment across Norfolk has grown even stronger. Many of our participants are ready and able to work; yet face barriers such as mental health challenges or being neurodivergent, which can make it harder to thrive in certain workplace settings, or even getting a foot in the door at all. We believe that inclusive working and recruitment practices benefit everyone.
That’s why we’re excited to offer a new hands-on, practical and fun training for employers which authentically reflects the voices, needs, and expertise of those we are advocating for.
Where can people find out more about what the organisation does and get involved?
You can find out more about what we do at our website here. You can also keep up to date by following our social channels and subscribing to our newsletter. I’m also always up for a chat and can be reached on LinkedIn or at hello@rippleacts.org.
What are your hopes for the next two years of Ripple Acts?
I would love to continue growing our coaching and training offer so that we can reach more people, both in and beyond Norfolk. Also, to help create real, inclusive and accessible employment opportunities for long-term unemployed adults of all ages in our region, because there is still a big gap. And working increasingly in partnership with businesses and other organisations, because big visions are better achieved together with the right people!
Visit Rippleacts.
Featured image of Verena Niyadurupola – Ruth Baldry Photography
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