#CelebratingSocialCare: working to make a difference
16 Apr 2025
7 min read
Throughout April we’re #CelebratingSocialCare and all the great work happening across the sector. We asked you to send in your good news stories and we’ll be sharing these throughout the month. In this article we hear about some of the jobs people are doing to make a difference.
Pretty Little Cupcakes
Pretty Little Cupcakes, a local bakery in Penge, is a social enterprise run by a dedicated team of people living with a learning disability.
Their mission goes beyond just selling cupcakes – they provide meaningful work for people who may otherwise face barriers to employment.
For many of the team members, it’s not just about the cupcakes; it’s about the pride they feel in contributing to something important and valuable.
Pretty Little Cupcakes is a community-driven venture, celebrating special occasions with beautifully crafted cupcakes, and the bakery’s festive cupcakes have become a local tradition.
The local community has embraced it as more than just a place to buy tasty treats, it is a vital part of Penge’s social fabric, where every purchase helps to create jobs and opportunities for people with learning disabilities.
Pretty Little Cupcakes is proof that a small business can do big things – not just for its customers, but for its employees and the broader community.
Each cupcake baked is a step towards greater inclusivity and a brighter future for all.
Hayley Gilham, a member of the team, said:
Every morning, our team wakes up knowing they are part of something special. It’s not just a job; it’s a reason to get up and make a difference.
Creating special memories
On Sunday 23rd March 2025, four local organisations in Rossendale, Lancashire came together to create a unique experience for residents, families and staff of Highfield Hall Care Home in Haslingden
Local charity Beacon Dementia and Wellbeing, Be You Lifestyle Boutique, local radio station Rossendale Radio and a family member whose parents live at Highfield Hall joined forces to create a pop-up dress shop.
This allowed residents and their families to experience and enjoy some shopping with fizz, sandwiches and cake. Visitors enjoyed trying on clothes, talking about fashion, reminiscence of past shopping experiences and buying new clothes.
This is something that many living in a care home don’t get to enjoy, and the message of the day was that care homes are part of our communities and that people who live in them should have equal access to these experiences.
There was a stream of visitors to the shop throughout the day and was accompanied by a live broadcast from the local radio station who promoted the event and the positive experiences for people living with dementia and their families.
It was also an opportunity for staff to visit the shop, to try on and buy clothes, some staff attended with residents enjoyed the pop-up together.
The experience was made even better with beautiful scents of candles, lights, seating and favourite stories and songs played on the air waves.
Dorothy, a resident, said:
I am so happy, thank you. I have loved every minute. New clothes make me feel good and I’ve not had that for a long time.
Oliver and Alan start a new career
Oliver and Alan attended the first ever SWAP programme - a programme that supports local unemployed people to get a career in health and social care.
Oliver and Alan had never worked in care previously and were both out of work and claiming benefits, but with the support of a great working partnership with Wigan Job Centre, Wigan Council, Wigan & Leigh College and Personal Care Services they both now have amazing full time careers in care, working out in the community supporting and caring for people.
Both Oliver and Alan have had a real positive impact. Alan has recently completed his Level 2 in Health and Social Care and Oliver has gained so much confidence.
They have both formed great friendships with other staff members and become valuable members of the Personal Care Services Family.
The SWAP programme was so successful that it continued to run and is now on its third cohort.
Nicola Connolly, Owner of Personal Care Services, said:
Alan is an asset to my organisation, and I am very blessed to have him as part of my PCS Family. Oliver’s confidence has grown so much, he has an amazing work relationship with his colleagues and his clients adore him.
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