Chats with Changemakers with Kate Duffy from Junction Point CIC

How Music Can Change Lives and Build Confidence: Philip Drew on Southside Music

In this episode of Chats with Changemakers, host Kate Duffy speaks with Philip Drew, founder of Southside Music, a purpose-led music tuition business helping people across South Tyneside build confidence, creativity, and connection through music.Phil shares how years working in the corporate telecoms world left him searching for something more meaningful. What began as a weekend piano teaching role alongside his corporate career eventually became a bold leap into self-employment and community-focused entrepreneurship.The conversation explores the realities of building a purpose-led business from scratch, including the challenges of self-funding, navigating uncertainty, and growing demand in the early stages. Phil also discusses the importance of accessible music education, the decline of creative opportunities in schools, and his vision for scholarship-funded tuition for people from disadvantaged backgrounds.Key TakeawaysPurpose-led businesses can create meaningful local impact without being a CIC.Music education can improve confidence, wellbeing, creativity, and connection.It is never too late to learn a new skill or pursue a new direction in life.Building a business requires resilience, adaptability, and thorough research.Social impact and financial sustainability can successfully work together.Adult learning and creativity are often overlooked but hugely important.Community support and word-of-mouth are essential for grassroots businesses.Accessible creative opportunities can help reduce inequality and isolation.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Phil’s Journey into Purpose-Led Work00:51 Leaving the Corporate World Behind03:26 Discovering the Impact of Music Tuition 06:08 The Birth of Southside Music08:04 Why Music Education Matters10:02 Creating Scholarships and Accessible Tuition11:39 Choosing the Right Business Structure14:25 Lessons Learned from Starting a Business16:55 How the Community Can Support Southside Music18:40 Why Music is for Adults Too21:24 Reflections on Purpose-Led Business and CreativityUseful LinksConnect with Philip Drew and Southside MusicFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/share/1Cea5XgbjX/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/south_side_music_?igsh=ZTUxM2tpeHRqNzU4LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-drew-6161a8192?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_androidConnect with Kate Duffy and Junction Point CIC● Website: https://junctionpoint.co.uk/● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateduffyuk/● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/junctionpointuk● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junctionpointcic/Check Out Our Level 2 in Starting & Developing a Social Enterprise Qualificationhttps://junctionpoint.co.uk/level-2-starting-a-social-enterprise-qualification/Join the Free North East Changemakers Communityhttps://www.facebook.com/share/g/1YA7oQVvd3/

Changing Lives Through Textile Recycling: Afi Dometi on Africawad

In this episode of Chats with Changemakers, host Kate Duffy speaks with Afi Dometi, founder of Africawad Recycling CIC, a social enterprise turning unwanted clothing into employment, opportunity, and empowerment for women in the UK and overseas. Afi shares how her own experiences of isolation and adapting to life in the UK inspired her to create Africawad. What started in her living room has grown into an international operation using textile recycling to support employment, confidence, mental wellbeing, and economic independence. The conversation explores the realities of building a purpose-led organisation, from scaling operations and accessing social finance to overcoming setbacks and staying focused on impact. Afi also introduces the idea of “social profit” — measuring success not just through money, but through lives changed and futures created. Kate reflects on the power of social enterprise as a vehicle for transformational change, and how Africawad balances environmental impact with meaningful community support. Key Takeaways Purpose-driven businesses can create impact far beyond their original mission. Social enterprise can support environmental, social, and economic change simultaneously. Determination, courage, and adaptability are essential when building something meaningful. Creating opportunities for connection and confidence can transform lives. Recycling can become a powerful vehicle for employment and empowerment. Social profit can be measured through lives changed, not just money earned. Community support, collaboration, and asking for help are vital for growth. Financial sustainability and social mission can successfully coexist. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Afi’s Mission  01:16 A Calling to Help Others  04:36 The Birth of Africawad Recycling CIC  06:32 Supporting Women Through Opportunity and Connection  08:40 Lessons in Determination and Leadership  11:01 Growing from a Living Room to an International Operation  13:14 Creating Global Impact Through Recycling  15:03 Challenges, Resilience and Social Finance  15:52 How to Support Africawad  16:55 Reflections on Social Profit and Purpose-Led Business Useful Links Connect with Afi on LinkedIn https://uk.linkedin.com/in/afi-dometi-39319134 [https://uk.linkedin.com/in/afi-dometi-39319134] Visit the Africawad Website:  https://www.africawad.org/ [https://www.africawad.org/] Donate Clothes to Africawad Here: 203 High St, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE28 7RS Check Out Our Level 2 in Starting & Developing a Social Enterprise Qualification https://junctionpoint.co.uk/level-2-starting-a-social-enterprise-qualification/ Connect with Kate Duffy and Junction Point CIC ● Website: https://junctionpoint.co.uk/ ● LinkedIn:   / kateduffyuk   ● Facebook:   / junctionpointuk    ● Instagram:   / junctionpointcic    Come and join our free 'North East Changemakers Community' on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1YA7oQVvd3/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1YA7oQVvd3/]

The 30th Birthday Crisis That Built a Charity: Phil Douglas on 10 Years of Curious Arts

In this episode, Kate Duffy is joined by Phil Douglas, the Chief Executive & Producer of Curious Arts, an LGBTQIA+ arts, youth, and heritage charity based in the North East. As the organisation celebrates its 10th anniversary, Phil reflects on its evolution from a small social venture in 2016 to a robust Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). With over 15 years of experience developing inclusive artistic projects across the North, Phil shares the personal spark that led him to start Curious Arts—a desire to be a "good human" and address the gap in authentic representation. Beyond his work with Curious Arts, Phil is a passionate advocate for Queer Arts, Outdoor Arts, and Dance, and serves as a Trustee for Mortal Fools and Birkheads Wild. In this conversation, Phil discusses the "growing pains" of professionalising a charity, the importance of staying steadfast to your mission, and the significant new responsibility Curious Arts has taken on: the custodianship of Newcastle Pride. (And yes, we also touch on his love for festivals, human rights, dogs, and cake!) Key Takeaways * The Power of Listening: Curious Arts conducts an annual community listening exercise to ensure their work remains a response to genuine need rather than mainstream trends. * Navigating Structural Change: Insights into the transition from a Company Limited by Guarantee to a CIO to better align with the funding landscape and partner expectations. * Planning with Purpose: The challenge of financial forecasting in a volatile climate and the importance of laying down "anchors" in your planning, even when the future feels unpredictable. * Avoiding Founder Syndrome: Phil discusses the importance of succession planning and decentering leadership to ensure the organisation’s mission outlasts its founder. * Values Over "Shiny Things": A reminder to stay steadfast to your core mission rather than chasing funding for projects that don't align with your values. Chapters * 00:07 – Welcome and introduction to Curious Arts. * 01:21 – Phil’s "Why": Turning 30 and seeking a generative purpose. * 02:48 – Moving from local authority work to creative entrepreneurship. * 04:53 – The birth of Curious Arts and the first pilot festival in 2016. * 08:28 – The transition to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). * 12:16 – Looking ahead: The next 10 years and shared leadership. * 14:34 – Pearls of Wisdom: Values, planning, and asking for help. * 17:35 – Call to Action: Supporting local Prides and LGBTQIA+ organisations. * 19:47 – Kate’s Outro: Reflections on succession, finance, and purpose. Useful Links Connect with Phil on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/curious_phil/ Connect with Curious Arts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curious_arts/ Connect with Newcastle Pride on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newcastlepride.uk/ Connect with Phil on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/phil-douglas-72222a92 [http://linkedin.com/in/phil-douglas-72222a92] Visit the Curious Arts Website:  https://curiousarts.org.uk/ [https://curiousarts.org.uk/] Visit the Newcastle Pride Website:  https://www.newcastlepride.co.uk/ [https://www.newcastlepride.co.uk/] Connect with Kate Duffy and Junction Point CIC ● Website: https://junctionpoint.co.uk/ ● LinkedIn:   / kateduffyuk   ● Facebook:   / junctionpointuk    ● Instagram:   / junctionpointcic    Come and join our free 'North East Changemakers Community' on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1YA7oQVvd3/

From “Just a Hobby” to a Social Enterprise Changing Lives: Yulia Dzenkovska, Mint Stitches CIC

In this episode of Chats with Changemakers, host Kate Duffy speaks with Yulia Dzenkovska, a creative social innovator exploring both craft-based wellbeing and the growing role of AI in social impact work. Yulia shares her journey of building Mint Stitches CIC, and how a personal passion for creativity evolved into a mission-driven organisation focused on empowerment, inclusion, and mental wellbeing. The conversation explores Yulia’s non-linear path to finding her purpose, highlighting the role of experimentation, reflection, and tools such as Ikigai in shaping direction. She discusses the realities of early-stage social entrepreneurship, including balancing multiple roles, maintaining strategic focus, and navigating uncertainty while building something meaningful. Alongside her work in the creative and community space, Yulia reflects on her transition into AI-focused roles, and how developing digital skills has opened up new opportunities to support organisations and sustain her wider impact. She shares the challenges of balancing income-generating work with mission-driven projects, and the importance of staying adaptable as opportunities evolve. Yulia also highlights the value of community-led design, explaining how listening to real needs helps shape programmes that are relevant and impactful. Looking ahead, she shares aspirations to expand Mint Stitches CIC into more intergenerational work, including initiatives supporting people living with dementia. Key Takeaways Personal passions can evolve into impactful social enterprises through experimentation and reflection. Finding direction is often non-linear, with tools like Ikigai helping to clarify purpose over time. Creative practices can support mental health, connection, and community building. Developing digital skills, including AI, can open new pathways for impact and sustainability. Balancing income and purpose is a key challenge for early-stage social entrepreneurs. Community needs should guide the design and evolution of meaningful programmes. Networking, collaboration, and continuous learning are essential for growth and opportunity. Chapters  00:00 Introduction and Personal Mission  03:42 The Birth of Mint Stitches  06:32 Navigating the Social Enterprise Landscape  09:16 Balancing Multiple Roles  12:12 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations  15:11 Call to Action and Community Engagement  19:29 Introduction to Mint Stitches and Its Mission  20:23 Finding Your Purpose: The Ikigai Tool  22:15 Community-Led Initiatives and Growth Mindset  23:33 Outro Useful Links Visit the Mint Stitches CIC Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/p/Mint-Stitches-CIC-61571478217708/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/Mint-Stitches-CIC-61571478217708/] Sign Up to The Mint Stitches CIC Newsletter https://tr.ee/92_7fR8Syy [https://tr.ee/92_7fR8Syy] Visit the Mint Stitches CIC Instagram Page https://www.instagram.com/mintstitchescic/ [https://www.instagram.com/mintstitchescic/] Connect with Yulia Dzenkkovska on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdzenkovska/?originalSubdomain=uk [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdzenkovska/?originalSubdomain=uk] Check Out Upcoming Mint Stitches CIC Workshops https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/mint-stitches-cic-107432885581 [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/mint-stitches-cic-107432885581] Check Out The Mint Stitches CIC Ebay Page https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/mintstitches Connect with Kate Duffy and Junction Point CIC ● Website: https://junctionpoint.co.uk/ ● LinkedIn:   / kateduffyuk   ● Facebook:   / junctionpointuk    ● Instagram:   / junctionpointcic    Come and join our free 'North East Changemakers Community' on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1YA7oQVvd3/

Building Resilient Young Minds: Lisa Cryer, BlueJay Wellness CIC

In this episode of Chats with Changemakers, host Kate Duffy speaks with Lisa Cryer, a scientist-turned-social entrepreneur dedicated to improving youth mental health and wellbeing through innovative, preventative approaches. Lisa shares her journey from a career in scientific research to education, and ultimately into social enterprise, where she now focuses on empowering young people with tools to support their emotional resilience. The conversation explores how Lisa’s personal experiences and professional transitions shaped her mission, including her time working in childhood illness research, her passion for teaching, and her eventual move into wellbeing after experiencing burnout. She discusses the founding of BlueJay Wellness CIC, and how the organisation delivers programmes centred around mindfulness, yoga, breathwork, and sensory tools to support early mental health intervention in schools and community settings. Lisa also reflects on the importance of understanding your “why” as a guiding principle, drawing on frameworks such as Start With Why and Ikigai to explain how purpose can sustain both personal motivation and organisational direction. Key Takeaways * Lisa Cryer’s journey from scientist to social entrepreneur demonstrates how diverse career experiences can combine to create meaningful social impact. * Early intervention is key in youth mental health, with preventative approaches like mindfulness and yoga helping to build resilience. * Understanding and staying connected to your “why” is essential for sustaining purpose in both personal and professional contexts. * Programmes that incorporate mindfulness, breathwork and sensory tools can support personalised wellbeing for children and young people. * Collaboration over competition strengthens social impact initiatives and enables broader reach within communities. * Creative tools, including storytelling and children’s books, can play an important role in engaging young audiences in mental health awareness. Chapters 00:00 Introduction  00:47 Meet Lisa Cryer  01:28 From Scientist to Educator  03:30 Discovering a Passion for Teaching  04:40 Leaving Teaching & Finding Wellbeing  05:22 Starting BlueJay Wellness CIC  06:30 Supporting Young People’s Mental Health  08:00 Mindfulness in Schools & Sensory Tools  09:00 Working with Different Age Groups  11:30 Measuring Impact & Building Toolkits  14:23 Entrepreneur Journey & Lessons  15:30 The Power of “Why” in Business  16:30 Maze vs Labyrinth Mindset  18:00 How You Can Support Lisa’s Mission  19:00 Children’s Books & Literacy Work  20:00 Collaboration Over Competition  20:58 Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways Useful Links Visit the BlueJay Wellness CIC Website https://bluejaywellness.co.uk/ [https://bluejaywellness.co.uk/] Connect with BlueJay Wellness CIC on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BlueJayWellnessCIC/ [https://www.facebook.com/BlueJayWellnessCIC/] Learn More About Roundabout Rabbits roundaboutrabbits.co.uk [http://roundaboutrabbits.co.uk/] Connect with Lisa Cryer on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/warren-milburn/?originalSubdomain=uk [https://www.linkedin.com/in/warren-milburn/?originalSubdomain=uk] Ready ‘Start with Why’ by Simon Sinek https://www.amazon.co.uk/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/0241958229 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/0241958229] Connect with Kate Duffy and Junction Point CIC ● Website: https://junctionpoint.co.uk/ ● LinkedIn:   / kateduffyuk   ● Facebook:   / junctionpointuk    ● Instagram:   / junctionpointcic    Come and join our free 'North East Changemakers Community' on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1YA7oQVvd3/