Pivot
In the depths of lockdown, my social media scrolling resulted in the discovery of Pivot - a London based, independent, ethical jewellery brand, acting as a social enterprise, working with young people experiencing homelessness, by offering them employment, support, and guidance.
According to statistics - gathered and provided by Shelter - as of December 2019, there was an estimated 280,000 people experiencing homelessness in England alone. As getting into temporary accommodation can sometimes pose a challenge, along with the routine struggles to obtain access to basic necessities - such as healthcare and hygiene products and services - the opportunity to gain employment for individuals facing these cirumstances can be very low. Meaning that for a large number of people, their situation often feels overwhelming and unchangeable.
And now, with the current impact of the pandemic forcing many shelters to close, despite the stark drop in temperatures over the winter months, and the immediate and prominent health risks, it’s becoming more important than ever, to take action and offer support.
Which is why I was so happy to discover the work of Pivot. Founded by former architectural student Alice Moxley, in November 2019 - before the beginning of COVID-19 and its shattering impact - Pivot is more than just a jewellery brand with a conscience, it’s a social enterprise which aims to empower and uplift people experiencing homelessness.
Currently working with makers in hostels across London and Somerset, Pivot offers financial support, along with training and guidance in how to design, create, and sell beautiful pieces, not only giving a sense of hope in dire times, but a real, practical solution in aiding people with their transition out of temporary situations, into something more permanent and meaningful.
Along with their jewellery pieces, during lockdown the brand decided to take a literal pivot and design something a little different: a hug shaped bookmark. It was a gift of affection, a symbolic hug which could be sent to loved ones, in place of the physical comfort we were all missing out on giving and receiving, during these times of separation. Homeless charity Crisis adored the concept to such an extent, that they gifted each of their returning volunteers one and also chose to sell them on their website. Thus far, they’ve raised nearly £1000 for the charity’s “Homeless Emergency Fund.”
Having spent almost two years helping to build innovative solutions to tackle the issue of homelessness in the UK, working with organisations such as Crisis, the YMCA, and the catering social enterprise Fact Macy’s, along with founding Pivot, it’s no wonder that Pioneer named Alice as a Woman of Inspiration, on their list of 100 social enterprise leaders showing Covid who’s boss!
Thus far Pivot has managed to make over 3000 pieces of jewellery, delivered more than 750 hours of work-based training, and provided upwards of 100 hours of one-on-one coaching and support. And it’s just the beginning!