In this episode of Chats with Changemakers, host Kate Duffy sits down with Ben Mushen, designer-turned-social entrepreneur and founder of the North East Support Directory, an AI-powered, self-service signposting tool that makes finding opportunities relevant to your organisation a breeze.
Ben opens up about his mission to make business opportunities more accessible through technology and AI, and how his personal frustrations sparked the creation of a platform that helps others thrive.
From bootstrapping a tech solution to navigating the world of social enterprise, Ben shares the highs, the hurdles, and the real-world impact his work aims to create.
The conversation dives into the importance of visibility in funding, the power of collaboration, and the role innovation plays in community growth. He also highlights how everyone can support the movement by spreading the word and contributing to a more connected business ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ben Mushen and His Journey
02:45 The Role of AI in Democratizing Business Opportunities
05:38 Building the North East Support Directory
08:28 Products and Services Offered
11:07 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations
13:53 Call to Action and Community Engagement
Useful Links
Learn More About North East Support Directory
https://www.nesd.co.uk/
Connect with North East Support Directory on Linkedinhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/north-east-support-directory/
Connect with Ben Mushen on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-mushen/
Connect with Kate Duffy and Junction Point CIC
● Website: https://junctionpoint.co.uk/
● LinkedIn: / kateduffyuk
● Facebook: / junctionpointuk
● Instagram: / junctionpointcic
Connect with Corrina Mulholland & Gateshead Community Organisation
● Website: https://www.gatesheadcommunity.org/
● LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/corrina-mulholland-bb039228
● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gatesheadcommunityorganisation/
Come and join our free 'North East Changemakers Community' on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1YA7oQVvd3/
In this episode of Chats with Changemakers, host Kate Duffy interviews Corrina, entrepreneur and founder of the Gateshead Community Organisation, a community interest company focused on social impact. Corrina shares her journey of discovering her entrepreneurial spirit after being diagnosed with ADHD and how her passion for helping others led her to establish a platform for community support. She discusses the challenges faced in starting and running a social enterprise, the importance of having a supportive team, and the lessons learned from past experiences. The conversation highlights the value of collaboration, trust, and structured agreements in creating meaningful social change.
Key Takeaways:
Corrina discovered her entrepreneurial spirit after being diagnosed with ADHD.
Her passion lies in doing what she loves while helping others.
The journey of starting Gateshead Community Organisation was serendipitous.
Community interest companies can be powerful models for social change.
Trusting instincts is important, but having a solid team is crucial.
Past experiences shaped Corrina’s approach to her current business.
Clear agreements help strengthen social enterprises.
Helping others to improve their circumstances is a central principle.
Networking and collaboration are key to success in social enterprises.
Corrina embraces being a “troublemaker” to challenge norms and drive change.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey
01:59 Finding Purpose and Passion
06:50 The Birth of Gateshead Community Organisation
13:58 The Community Interest Company Model
16:00 Lessons Learned and Challenges Faced
20:53 Reflections on Past Experiences
22:21 How to Support Gateshead Community Organisation
22:50 Outro
Useful Links
Learn more about Gateshead Community Organisation
https://www.gatesheadcommunity.org/
Watch ‘Our Stories 2024 - Gateshead Community Organisation’ (With Craig)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZKXmiKF8ZU
Connect with Kate Duffy and Junction Point CIC
● Website: https://junctionpoint.co.uk/
● LinkedIn: / kateduffyuk
● Facebook: / junctionpointuk
● Instagram: / junctionpointcic
Connect with Corrina Mulholland & Gateshead Community Organisation
● Website: https://www.gatesheadcommunity.org/
● LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/corrina-mulholland-bb039228
● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gatesheadcommunityorganisation/
Come and join our free 'North East Changemakers Community' on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1YA7oQVvd3/
In this episode of Chats with Changemakers, host Kate Duffy interviews Ben Jones, founder of Dingy Butterflies CIC, a social enterprise focused on community engagement through the arts. Ben shares his journey from being an artist to establishing a platform that fosters collaboration with local organisations. He discusses the importance of understanding community needs, the challenges faced in social enterprise work, and the impact of collaborative projects aimed at addressing issues like food poverty. The conversation highlights the significance of partnerships and the ongoing struggle for funding in the social enterprise sector.
Key Takeaways:
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Passion and Community Engagement
03:03 The Story Behind Dindy Butterflies
06:34 Exploring Community Arts and Collaboration
11:32 Challenges and Opportunities in Community Work
15:42 Call to Action and Future Aspirations
18:39 The Power of True Collaboration
20:28 Challenges in Funding for Social Enterprises
20:36 Outro
Useful Links
Learn more about the Business with Purpose Accelerator
https://junctionpoint.co.uk/business-with-purpose-accelerator/
Learn more about Dingy Butterflies CIC
https://www.dingybutterflies.org/
Connect with Kate Duffy and Junction Point CIC
● Website: https://junctionpoint.co.uk/
● LinkedIn: / kateduffyuk
● Facebook: / junctionpointuk
● Instagram: / junctionpointcic
Connect with Ben Jones
● Website: https://www.dingybutterflies.org/
● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bendjones/
● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DingyButt/?locale=en_GB
Come and join our free 'North East Changemakers Community' on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1YA7oQVvd3/
In this episode of Chats with Changemakers, host Kate Duffy chats to Alexia Mellor, who discusses her journey into canine nutrition, driven by her passion for dogs and their health. She shares how her personal experience with her dog, Lucky, led her to create the FETCH framework, which emphasises fresh food and holistic health for dogs.
Alexia also addresses common myths in pet nutrition, the environmental impact of pet care, and the importance of empowering pet owners to make informed decisions. She outlines the vision for FETCH as an ecosystem that supports both pet health and environmental sustainability, and invites changemakers to join her mission.
Key takeaways:
Alexia's journey began with her dog Lucky's health issues.
FETCH aims to improve dog nutrition and health holistically.
The importance of fresh food in canine diets is emphasised.
Pet parents often lack proper nutritional guidance for their pets.
FETCH provides a framework for proactive pet health management.
The 81% campaign addresses the misuse of flea and tick treatments.
Environmental impacts of pet care are a significant concern.
FETCH seeks to educate both pet parents and retailers.
The business model is designed to be an ecosystem of support.
Community involvement is crucial for FETCH's growth and impact.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Passion and Purpose
03:01 The Journey to Canine Nutrition
05:57 The FETCH Framework Explained
08:51 Addressing the Kibble Myth
12:05 Building the FETCH Ecosystem
15:09 The 81% Campaign and Environmental Impact
17:59 Future Vision and Global Impact
20:49 Call to Action for Changemakers
Useful Links
Learn more about the Business with Purpose Accelerator
https://junctionpoint.co.uk/business-with-purpose-accelerator/
Purchase your FREE FETCH starter pack herehttps://www.learnfetch.com/pages/fetch-starter-pack
Connect with Kate Duffy and Junction Point CIC
● Website: https://junctionpoint.co.uk/
● LinkedIn: / kateduffyuk
● Facebook: / junctionpointuk
● Instagram: / junctionpointcic
Connect with Alexia Mellor
● Website: https://mysticdogmama.com/fetch-membership
● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learn-fetch
● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mystic-Dog-Mama/61554207347284/
● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysticdogmama/?hl=en
Come and join our free 'North East Changemakers Community' on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1YA7oQVvd3/
In this episode of Chats with Changemakers, host Kate Duffy speaks with Kate Mukungu, a community celebrant dedicated to making ceremonies more inclusive, personal, and affordable.Kate shares her inspiring journey into celebrancy and her mission to challenge the traditional approach to funerals, weddings, and life celebrations. The conversation delves into the realities of funeral poverty in the UK, the importance of death education, and how personalised ceremonies can bring comfort, meaning, and connection to communities.Together, they discuss how open conversations about death, dying, and end-of-life planning can reduce stigma, empower families, and ensure everyone—regardless of background or income—can access a ceremony that reflects their values and story.Key Takeaways● Kate Mukungu is a community celebrant championing inclusivity and personalisation in ceremonies.● Funeral poverty continues to affect families across the UK, highlighting the need for affordable and compassionate options.● Personalised ceremonies allow individuals and families to celebrate life in ways that feel authentic and meaningful.● Death education helps to break taboos and supports more open, informed conversations about dying and bereavement.● Inclusivity and representation are vital to creating ceremonies that resonate with diverse communities.● Community engagement can help address financial and emotional barriers around end-of-life planning.● Collaboration and creativity enhance the social impact of celebrancy work.● Kate envisions a future where every person can access a meaningful, dignified, and affordable ceremony.Chapters● 00:00 Introduction● 02:14 Becoming a Community Celebrant● 05:30 The Power of Personalised Ceremonies● 10:42 Understanding Funeral Poverty● 15:26 Death Education and Community Awareness● 20:18 Inclusivity and Representation in Modern Celebrancy● 25:40 Collaboration and Social Impact● 30:02 Rethinking How We Celebrate and Commemorate LifeUseful LinksConnect 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/ Connect with Kate Mukungu● Website: https://www.katemukungucelebrant.com/ ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kate-mukungu-celebrant-19b6672b7/● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateMukunguCelebrant/● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate_community_celebrant/Come and join our free 'North East Changemakers Community' on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1YA7oQVvd3/
In this episode of Chats with Changemakers, host Kate Duffy interviews Guy Pilkington, chair of the charity Ways to Wellness.
Guy shares his journey from being a GP to leading a charity focused on improving health outcomes through non-medical interventions.
The conversation explores the importance of perseverance, building relationships, and the impact of social prescribing in healthcare. Guy discusses the challenges and successes of implementing these changes and emphasises the need for collaboration and a holistic approach to wellness.
Key Takeaways
• Guy Pilkington transitioned from a GP to chair of Ways to Wellness.
• The charity focuses on non-medical interventions to improve health outcomes.
• Perseverance is essential for effecting change in healthcare.
• Building good relationships is crucial for successful collaboration.
• Social prescribing can significantly impact individuals' health and wellbeing.
• Measuring impact is challenging but necessary for demonstrating success.
• Ways to Wellness has successfully engaged 11,000 people in support programs.
• The model of social prescribing has influenced national healthcare practices.
• Collaboration and partnership working are vital for achieving goals.
• Guy emphasises the importance of a relational approach over strict performance metrics.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:15 The Genesis of Ways to Wellness
04:02 Understanding Non-Medical Interventions
11:02 Measuring Impact and Outcomes
16:21 National Influence and Future Directions
21:32 Reflections on Change and Collaboration
28:13 Understanding Wellness Beyond Medical Interventions
Welcome @everyone back for the final Chats with Changemakers episode of this series – and what a conversation it is to end on!
In this episode, Caroline Hagan from Get Kraken CIC shares how she’s tackling the digital divide across the Northeast by making tech skills more accessible, building supportive business communities, and championing collaboration over competition.
From coding in her bedroom as a teenager to launching a CIC – her journey is packed with insights, heart, and practical tips.
Whether you're curious about setting up a social enterprise, love geeking out over digital tools, or just want to hear from someone who's making a real difference – this one’s for you.
So grab a cuppa, get comfy, and enjoy this final episode of the series!
Don’t forget to subscribe to Chats with Changemakers on Youtube too so you don’t miss what’s coming next…
Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1z7VVPKV6tbQXxoIuwrKGEvcGuwz2U3r
Connect with Caroline:
Get Kraken CIC - https://get-kraken.org
Kraken Networking - https://kraken-networking.uk
Caroline Hagan Consultancy - https://carolinehagan.co.uk
What a pleasure it was to chat with the brilliant Dan Erasmus from Cornerstone Psychology CIC on this week's episode of Chats with Changemakers! Dan launched his CIC in just January of this year, but is already well underway on his social enterprise journey.His social enterprise aims to make quality psychological support accessible to everyone, and provide workplace neurodiversity services, coaching, and workplace assessments.Enjoy listening to Dan's experience so far, and don't forget to connect with him!Website: https://www.cornerstonepsychology.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-erasmus-64785212a/
Good morning everyone!
I am very excited to share this week's podcast with you guys, where I chatted with Tove Crossland from Ocean Zen C.I.C.
Based in Whitley Bay, Tove and co-founder Nicola work across the North East supporting people to be the best version of themselves through a range of holistic therapies, community projects, events, retreats, and group work.
Their talks include wellbeing at work support and holistic training, plus they even have a retail shop with unique clothing and crystals!
Tove's journey and advice for you lovely changemakers is genuinely unmissable, so grab a coffee and enjoy the episode!
Connect with Tove and with Ocean Zen CIC:
Facebook: Ocean Zen C.I.C
Instagram: oceanzenuk
Website: www.ocean-zen.co.uk
Welcome back to a new episode of your favourite podcast!
I really loved talking to Paul Kirkpatrick from Off The Grid Adventures CIC. Paul and his team work with a range of groups and individuals of all ages to help people become active and healthy.
The organisation aims to bring people together through adventure and learning to improve physical and emotional wellbeing, and to increase volunteering and training opportunities.
Enjoy the episode and don't hesitate to reach out and connect with Paul!
Website - www.offthegrid-adventures.co.uk
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/paul-kirkpatrick-13613575
Instagram @off.gtid.adventures.cic
Welcome back everyone to Chats with Changemakers!
I had an amazing chat with the wonderful Wendy Amexo from TechJumpstart Hub CIC. Wendy and her Social Enterprise help everyday people—especially women and those feeling left behind—get confident with technology, build new skills, and open doors to better jobs and brighter futures. They aim to break down tech so it finally makes sense and feels possible for everyone.
I hope you enjoy the episode as much as I enjoyed the chat, and don't forget to connect with Wendy through all her links below.
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089126651825
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/techjumpstart-hub-cic/?
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/techjumpstarthub/
Website :https://techjumpstarthub.co.uk/
Be Courageous with Technology registration : https://techjumpstarthub.co.uk/bct-application-form/
Welcome to a brand new episode of our podcast for people making the world a better place, Chats with Changemakers!
I was truly inspired by this week's chat with Shane Knox, a Royal Navy veteran and passionate mental health advocate, who founded Not A Statistic Northeast CIC to provide vital peer-led support for those struggling with mental health challenges.
Driven by lived experience, Shane and his team offer free, accessible support groups that foster connection and understanding, helping to bridge the gap in services. Through community-driven initiatives, Not A Statistic is reducing isolation, preventing suicide, and building stronger, more supportive networks across the Northeast.
So enjoy the episode, I'm sure you will feel as inspired as I was listening to Shane share his purpose-led journey.
Don't forget to connect with Shane!
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-knox-lech/
Not A Statistic Website: https://www.not-a-statistic-ne.org/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/not_a_statistic_northeast_cic
Booking in with Shane: https://outlook.office.com/owa/calendar/NotAStatisticNortheastCIC1@not-a-statistic-ne.org/bookings/
Welcome back to Chats with Changemakers!This week I had the pleasure of speaking with the incredible Kelly Henderson from Addressing Domestic Abuse CIC about her important work and inspirational advice for those on a purpose-led journey.Addressing Domestic Abuse CIC offer bespoke support to organisations around domestic abuse. They offer Training, Evaluation, Research and Policy Development. A lot of their work is with social housing providers and associated supply chains helping them identify and respond to domestic abuse, and they work collaboratively with a wide range of subject matter experts so that our clients can be confident that their individual set of needs will be met.Enjoy the episode and don't forget to check out their website! https://addressingdomesticabuse.com/
Join our digital community through the membership section of our website to be informed of our latest podcasts and to connect with Changemakers across the North East: www.junctionpoint.co.uk
Welcome to Chats with Changemakers, the North East podcast for people who want to make a difference in the world.
Every 2 weeks we interview inspirational individuals from the North East's vibrant social enterprise sector, as part of our digital 'Changemakers Community'.
If you would like to connect with Dan and other like-minded changemakers, join our free community in the Membership section of our website www.junctionpoint.co.uk.
This one is a must-watch, so grab a cup of tea and enjoy!