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

Breaking the Habit Loop of Shame: Ross Heatley, Project Fluency

What if the digital tools we used were built to empower us instead of keeping us hooked? In this episode of Chats with Changemakers, Kate Duffy sits down with Ross Heatley, a former HR professional turned tech founder who is completely flipping the script on digital engagement. After experiencing corporate burnout and uncovering his own neurodivergence through therapy, Ross realised that the systems we work and live in aren't built for everyone. To solve this, he founded Project Fluency, an adaptive personal software environment designed to help neurodivergent adults understand their unique traits, communicate their boundaries, and replace the exhausting habit of masking. Ross opens up about building a technology platform with strict ethical AI guardrails, designing an "equaliser" for human energy, and creating a contrarian business model where user "graduation" is the ultimate metric of success. Key Takeaways The "Graduation" Metric: Unlike mainstream software designed for maximum retention, Project Fluency measures success by how quickly a user internalises its lessons and decides they no longer need the app. Orientation over Evaluation: Traditional habit trackers often feed into a destructive cycle of shame. Ross explains why tools should act as adaptive environments that adjust to your daily energy levels instead of forcing you to conform. The Living Energies Framework: An inside look at Project Fluency’s core behavioural identification system, which maps out 12 distinct human preferences to convert personal reflection into clear self-advocacy language. The Creator Subsidisation Model: How the platform uses a marketplace tier for "prompt injection hats" to allow advanced users to naturally fund free, accessible tiers for those experiencing burnout. A Slow Start for a Graceful Finish: Why writing an organisational "doctrine" and reviewing every single feature against it saves founders from losing their soul to tempting, misaligned ideas. Chapters 00:07 – Welcome and introduction to Project Fluency. 01:07 – The HR Catalyst: Recognising hidden burnout and unpacking personal neurodivergence. 03:24 – The Birth of Project Fluency: Becoming fluent in the art of self-advocacy. 04:49 – Designing an adaptive personal environment that rejects the "shame loop". 08:44 – Ethical Tech: Implementing strict guardrails on reflective AI. 11:56 – The Living Energies Equaliser: Fine-tuning your personality across life's contexts. 15:38 – Disrupting Silicon Valley: The B2C marketplace and future B2B corporate wellness plans. 20:53 – Pearls of Wisdom: Formulating your doctrine and building what doesn't exist. 23:09 – Call to Action: Testing the framework and challenging the architecture. 24:58 – Kate’s Outro: Reflections on inclusive design and creating tools that put us out of a job. Useful Links Project Fluency Website: https://projectfluency.co.uk/ [https://projectfluency.co.uk/] Ross Heatley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-heatley-206a122ba/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-heatley-206a122ba/] Course Spotlight:  [https://www.junctionpoint.co.uk/] Level Two in Starting and Developing a Social Enterprise [https://www.junctionpoint.co.uk/] North East Changemakers Community:  [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.junctionpoint.co.uk/community] https://hub.junctionpoint.co.uk/changemaker-sign-up [https://hub.junctionpoint.co.uk/changemaker-sign-up] Connect with Kate Duffy and Junction Point CIC ● Website: https://junctionpoint.co.uk/ [https://junctionpoint.co.uk/] ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateduffyuk/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateduffyuk/] ● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/junctionpointuk [https://www.facebook.com/junctionpointuk] ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junctionpointcic/

How One Small Charity is Tackling Domestic Abuse in the North East: Catherine Marchant

In this episode of Chats with Changemakers, host Kate Duffy speaks with Catherine Marchant, CEO of Impact Family Services, a charity dedicated to supporting adults, children and young people affected by domestic abuse. Catherine shares her journey from the Civil Service into charity leadership and how a short-term role at Impact Family Services became a long-term mission to help break cycles of domestic abuse within local communities. The conversation explores the realities of leading a small charity, including funding challenges, income diversification, balancing multiple leadership roles, and the importance of workplace support for those experiencing domestic abuse. Catherine also reflects on the lessons she has learned throughout her career and why listening to yourself can be one of the most important leadership skills of all. Key Takeaways • Breaking the cycle of domestic abuse requires prevention, education and long-term family support. • Small charities can create significant impact through innovation, partnerships and community engagement. • Diversifying income streams is essential in an increasingly challenging funding environment. • Workplace domestic abuse training can help employers better support their staff. • Strong leadership relies on trusted teams, good governance and adaptability. • Work-life balance is essential for long-term sustainability and effectiveness. • Listening to yourself and embracing change can lead to greater fulfilment and impact. • Community support plays a vital role in sustaining local charities and services. Chapters 00:00 Catherine's Journey to Making a Difference 03:55 Launching Impact Family Services 06:58 Mission and Operations of Impact Family Services 09:46 Funding Challenges and Strategies 13:07 Balancing Multiple Roles 16:00 Wisdom and Lessons Learned 19:10 How You Can Support Impact Family Services 24:19 Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Abuse 25:14 Innovative Income Generation Strategies 25:41 Personal Growth and Change 25:56 Chats with Changemakers Outro Useful Links Connect with Catherine Marchant and Impact Family Services Website https://impactfs.co.uk/ [https://impactfs.co.uk/] LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinemarchant/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinemarchant/] Workplace Domestic Abuse Training https://impactfs.co.uk/education-training/ [https://impactfs.co.uk/education-training/] Follow Impact Family Services on social media to help raise awareness of domestic abuse and support their mission. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/impactfs.co.uk/ [https://www.instagram.com/impactfs.co.uk/] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/impactfamilyservices/ [https://www.facebook.com/impactfamilyservices/] LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/impact-family-services/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/impact-family-services/] Donate toiletries, hygiene products, gifts, arts and crafts materials, or funds to support families accessing their services. https://impactfs.co.uk/support/ [https://impactfs.co.uk/support/] Take part in fundraising events such as the Great North Run or organise your own challenge event. https://www.greatrun.org/events/great-north-run/ [https://www.greatrun.org/events/great-north-run/] Connect with Kate Duffy and Junction Point CIC ● Website: https://junctionpoint.co.uk/ [https://junctionpoint.co.uk/]● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateduffyuk/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateduffyuk/]● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/junctionpointuk [https://www.facebook.com/junctionpointuk]● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junctionpointcic/ [https://www.instagram.com/junctionpointcic/] Check Out Our Level 2 in Starting & Developing a Social Enterprise Qualification https://junctionpoint.co.uk/level-2-starting-a-social-enterprise-qualification/ [https://junctionpoint.co.uk/level-2-starting-a-social-enterprise-qualification/] Join the Free North East Changemakers Community https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1YA7oQVvd3/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1YA7oQVvd3/]

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/