WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

Our Work

Since our inception in 2011, The Smile Brigade CIC has been working hard to promote our causes. While there is always more that can be done to help those in need in our community, there’s no doubt that we are making a significant impact. See how you can become part of the difference.

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We are a small social enterprise offering free and heavily subsidised services and activities to people on low incomes or at risk of loneliness, poverty and isolation. Our activities aim to address a person’s physical, social, emotional and mental health needs - with the idea being to help take people away from the more negative aspects of life by providing positive and meaningful activities as well as an outlet for people to express themselves in a safe space and supportive environment.

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Through individual and group activities we provide people with the opportunity to connect and maintain or establish supportive or caring relationships making them more likely to engage with family, friends, carers or community services.

Some of the benefits of partaking in regular and meaningful activity include;

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• Improved mood

• Promoting a positive sense of self

• Social interaction

• Reduced anxiety, depression and stress

• Alleviating isolation

• Development of skills

• Increased confidence

• Preserving dignity and self-esteem

• Maintaining independence and skills.

Not feeling part of society can dramatically affect mental wellbeing and an individual's sense of self. As well as the social implications, loneliness and social isolation is also harmful to physical health.

People who are feeling isolated or marginalised are less likely to engage with other services. We hope to help bridge the gap between our beneficiaries and community services by working with local organisations and volunteers to help bring people out of isolation whilst gaining new skills and the confidence to rediscover a sense of self worth and purpose.

Instead of taking away from the brilliant work that is already taking place in the borough, we aim to complement and enhance what’s already on offer. Instead of duplicating services – we work alongside organisations with similar objectives providing a link between various services and the communities they serve. As such we have been working closely with the local authority, health professionals and charities – providing food provisions and extra support to their beneficiaries. Along with providing support to those already known to services we have an “open door” policy and throughout the pandemic and before, offer help to those who do not traditionally fall into the typical category of needing help – including those unable to access services from anywhere else. 

We are a community lead initiative hoping to connect potential volunteers with likeminded  individuals and opportunities to give back and play an active role in their community.