Social Enterprise Spotlight – Mecoco
Posted: 12 May 2020, in News
Our newest Social Enterprise Spotlight is Mecoco. Mecoco believe that everyone, regardless of their disability can make a meaningful contribution and has the right to experience the workplace in their own community should they wish to; the name Mecoco stands for MEaningful COntribution in your COmmunity. Read and share their Q&A interview below! Get in contact with Jenny on jenny@mecoco.org.
What’s your social and/or environmental mission?
There are very few opportunities for people with more significant learning or physical disabilities to find meaningful work butMecoco believes that everyone should have the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be part of an inclusive workplace, to make a contribution and be part of a team.
How do you do it? (client group, practical daily work, customers etc)
Mecoco is a team of volunteers who are both able bodied and disabled, and we make and sell home fragrance products; candles, wax melts, reed diffusers and other gift items. These are sold on our website and, usually, at gift shops and events in the community.
What’s your personal motivation for being a social entrepreneur?
My son has complex and profound physical and learning disabilities and is leaving school this year. I was aware of the lack of opportunities for him and his peers and knew that there was a realistic way to create them.
What are your current projects?
I’m holding the fort at home, topping up stock and posting orders. The lock down has been an opportunity to try new product ideas and develop our social media. Many of our current and potential volunteers are shielding, so we don’t know when we’ll all be back in the workshop.
What exciting things do you have coming up?
We are launching new scents in the coming weeks, including one which has been completely developed by a couple of our young volunteers. We are also introducing scented tea lights, hand made gift cards and handmade gift boxes.
Who do you want to work with more?
We would love to expand our team further with both able bodied and disabled volunteers of all ages. Individuals can work with us for an hour a week if that’s what they can manage so we are every flexible according to what makes sense for them.
What’s your biggest challenge?
Our biggest challenge right now is that our usual outlets are closed so we are reliant on website sales. Moving on we desperately need our own workshop but finding a suitable, accessible and affordable space has proved difficult.
What top tips would you give to other social enterprises?
I’m by no means an expert but from the last years’ experience I would say to always keep your eye on your mission and not be tempted away from it, by funding criteria or the best intentions of other people.