Women's Programmes

Luminary Bakery is a social enterprise providing training, employment and community to some of the most disadvantaged women in London. The women we work with have been classified as experiencing "multiple disadvantages", including gender based violence (domestic abuse, prostitution, sexual exploitation, trafficking and honour based violence).

We work holistically with women, offering a safe space to train, trauma-informed support as they overcome barriers from lack of opportunity, preparation for employment, and guidance in building towards a positive future.

Luminary Bakery is a social enterprise providing training, employment and community to some of the most disadvantaged women in London. The women we work with have been classified as experiencing "multiple disadvantages", including gender based violence (domestic abuse, prostitution, sexual exploitation, trafficking and honour based violence).

We work holistically with women, offering a safe space to train, trauma-informed support as they overcome barriers from lack of opportunity, preparation for employment, and guidance in building towards a positive future.

You can check out more information our impact here

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"Before I came to Luminary, my life had fallen apart. I struggled in a world where my voice was unheard and my identity had been stripped from me. Since going through the course, I now have regained my confidence, gained life-skills and am on a path to reach my goals of independence. Luminary has gifted me with so many opportunities, I honestly don't know where I would be without them."

- Luminary Graduate

"Before I came to Luminary, my life had fallen apart. I struggled in a world where my voice was unheard and my identity had been stripped from me. Since going through the course, I now have regained my confidence, gained life-skills and am on a path to reach my goals of independence. Luminary has gifted me with so many opportunities, I honestly don't know where I would be without them."

- Luminary Graduate

1 in 3 Women Globally Experience Gender Based Violence

1 Million Women in the UK & 180,000 in London alone are Unemployed

Hackney is the 11th Most Deprived Local Authority in the UK

1 in 3 Women Globally Experience Gender Based Violence

1 Million Unemployed Women in the UK & 180,000 in London

Hackney is the 11th Most Deprived Local Authority in the UK

1 in 3 Women Globally Experience Gender Based Violence

1 Million Unemployed Women in the UK & 180,000 in London

Hackney is the 11th Most Deprived Local Authority in the UK

* National statistics taken from The World Bank 2018 Report on VAWG, The Progressive Policy Think Tank & Government National Statistics English Indices of Deprivation 2015

OUR MODEL

A woman is referred to Luminary because she has experienced gender based violence & multiple disadvantage, but she is now in recovery and looking for work.

She enrolls onto our two year Employability Training Programme to learn baking skills, transferable life skills and employability skills. Whilst building trusting relationships and growing her network.

We divide the programme into four stages we call 'phases'. The first two phases, lasting one year focus on classroom based training. Our training is accompanied by our Progression Support Programme, she receives 1-1 support from her Progression Support Worker and has the opportunity to work with our in-house therapist.

Once she's completed the twelve months of training, the baking course and the employability programme, she'll graduate. This isn't the end though, she'll have another year of 1-1 support with an allocated a Progression Support Worker, takes part in work experience and can apply for paid work within the Luminary Bakery business or with our partner organisations.

OUR MODEL

A woman is referred to Luminary because she has experienced gender based violence & multiple disadvantage, but she is now in recovery and looking for work.

She enrolls onto our 6 month group Employability Training Programme to learn baking skills, transferable life skills and employability skills. Whilst building trusting relationships and growing her network.

Through our Progression Support Programme, she receives a further six months of face to face training, and in depth training on employability skills. Alongside this, she continues to receive 1-1 support from her progression support worker.

Once she's completed the twelve months of training, the baking course and the employability programme she'll graduate. This isn't the end though, she'll have another year of 1-1 support with an allocated a progression support worker, takes part in work experience and can apply for paid work within the Luminary Bakery business or with our partner organisations.

OUR MODEL

A woman is referred to Luminary because she has experienced gender based violence & multiple disadvantage, but she is now in recovery and looking for work.

She enrolls onto our 6 month group Employability Training Programme to learn baking skills, transferable life skills and employability skills. Whilst building trusting relationships and growing her network.

Through our Progression Support Programme, she receives a further six months of face to face training, and in depth training on employability skills. Alongside this, she continues to receive 1-1 support from her progression support worker.

Once she's completed the twelve months of training, the baking course and the employability programme she'll graduate. This isn't the end though, she'll have another year of 1-1 support with an allocated a progression support worker, takes part in work experience and can apply for paid work within the Luminary Bakery business or with our partner organisations.

Of the Women Luminary has Supported

73%

had experienced

homelessness

88%

had experienced gender

based violence

13%

were care leavers

27%

had been in the criminal

justice system

Of the Women Luminary has Supported

79%

had experienced homelessness

96%

had experienced gender based violence

15%

were care leavers

34%

had been in the criminal justice system

What is Luminary a Response to?

Luminary is an innovative response to a need we saw for women who have had a social and economic disadvantage. We are a social enterprise designed to offer opportunities for women to build a future for themselves. We provide a safe and professional environment where women can grow holistically – encouraging ambition, restoration and second chances.

What is Multiple Disadvantage?

Multiple disadvantage is recognising that many people do not experience just one social disadvantage but a combination of social disadvantages, which interlink and drive a cycle of deprivation.

Recognising this is important as there is evidence that those that experience these interlinked disadvantages are more likely to fall through service gaps, as they may not rely solely on one service but require the input of many services.

Some examples of social disadvantages that people may experience are substance misuse, low income, poor health, experience of violence and homelessness.

See Lankelly Chase Foundation "Severe and Multiple Disadvantage"

What is multiple disadvantage?

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Why is Language so Important?

Our aim is always to encourage and empower and we recognise that our words can have destructive effects when not carefully thought through. The women we support are leaving various difficult backgrounds. They are strong, resilient and have been through a lot. It is crucial that we use terminology that empowers and releases women from stigma.

We refer to Luminary as supporting ‘disadvantaged women’ as it relieves the need to go specifically into their background, and enables them to put that in the past. We try to avoid using the term ‘vulnerable’ as in our experience they are not, they are strong and capable!

Mentorship

During our Progression Support Programme, our women will have the opportunity to work with a professional mentor.

Luminary mentors are women from a variety of backgrounds, all of whom are willing to share their professional expertise and life lessons with our graduates. Some mentors have experience in the finance or business world, others in hospitality. Some have also experienced disadvantage in their lives and want to be able to help Luminary women as peers who may be one step ahead in the journey.

You can read more about our Progression Support Programme here or have a read over our mentorship application form here

FUNDERS

We couldn't provide these opportunities without the generosity of individuals and organisations.

You can find a list of our funders and information on the impact of your donations on our Funding Page.

FUNDERS

We couldn't provide these opportunities without the generosity of individuals and organisations.

You can find a list of our funders and information on the impact of your donations on our Funding Page.