News

The latest news, views and blogs from Real Ideas

26th January, 2022
Blog |

Helping communities to make change

From the inception of Real Ideas, we have always been committed to the places that we love, where we live and where we work. And we are always excited to support other communities who share an equal passion for their neighbourhoods, towns, villages and places.

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25th January, 2022
Blog |

Creating opportunities and developing talent

From the outset, Real Ideas has been supporting and enabling a wide range of people to demonstrate their talents, skills and discover how to use those with and for others, in work, communities, projects and schools. Those who know us, know we value talent, new ideas and new ways of thinking. So over the last 15 years we have focused and enabled a range of development opportunities particularly for young people, enabling them to come and work for us whilst being supported. This has given them the opportunity to grow and develop their skills sets in a real work environment whilst also keeping us forward facing and challenged- in a good way!

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24th January, 2022
Blog |

Breathing new life into old buildings

Starting in 2014, one of the longest running, epic, community building sagas we have had the chance to be part of is the story of Trowbridge Town Hall, which remains close heart to this day.

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24th January, 2022
Blog |

Ensuring access to art & making for children & families

No summary available.

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28th December, 2021
Blog |

Reflections in Green

A new blog post from Programme Coordinator, Lorna Logan, sharing her experience of working on the first Green Thinkers Programme!

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16th December, 2021
Blog | News | Jobs and opportunities |

Our Last Drop-in Session in Liskeard

We want to talk! At Real Ideas we are a chatty bunch, and we’d love for you to pop into our Liskeard office on number 2 Pike Street next Monday, 20th December, for our last festive drop-in session

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15th December, 2021
Blog | News |

We talk Real Ideas for a Thoughtful Christmas

No summary available.

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1st December, 2021
Blog |

Pilgrim Primary Achieve Artsmark Silver!

During a very uncertain two years, Pilgrim Primary have put Arts and Culture at the forefront of their school and achieved a super Silver Artsmark Award!

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26th November, 2021
Blog | News | Uncategorised |

Bringing you Real Ideas for a thoughtful Christmas...

The festive season is fast approaching and at Real Ideas we’ve been working hard to create a programme of festive events and experiences for all ages.

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17th November, 2021
Blog |

Starting a brewery during a pandemic...

Our name is Borrowed Parts Brew Co. because it speaks to what we’re doing. We are a cooperative society, run on cooperative principles of commonality and reciprocity.

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16th November, 2021
Blog | News |

Art Installations at Illuminate Festival 2021

Once the sun sets, Ocean Studios and Market Hall are lit up by some incredible light art installations and here is some more information on what pieces are on display. Seek out your favourite and book a ticket to see in the flesh!

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15th November, 2021
Blog | News |

Christmas at Market Hall

The festive season is upon us, and after a challenging couple of years for everyone, we are extremely excited to be sharing our Christmas plans. This year, we are sharing a selection of 'Real Ideas for a Thoughtful Christmas’. In order to support the businesses and communities around us, we as an organisation, have set ourselves the mission to encourage more people to shop in a thoughtful and mindful way. However, we don’t just want to celebrate the businesses and products, but also to really celebrate the individuals themselves and their stories.

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15th November, 2021
Blog | News |

BIOLUMINESCENT ALGAE, PROJECTED REALITIES, AND IMMERSIVE ENVIRONMENTS LIKE NO OTHER SET TO ILLUMINATE PLYMOUTH!

Explore the re-imagined Illuminate

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11th November, 2021
Blog | News |

What happened at Fab City's second Quarterly Forum

Plymouth Culture and Real Ideas hosted an open conversation around the city’s sustainability agenda and about what community action is needed in order to meet the Fab City agenda: producing nearly everything we consume by 2053.

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10th November, 2021
Blog |

​How we can take down barriers for women in our workspaces 

Women are raising awareness and taking matters into their own hands to try and build positive change and equality. But is this enough?

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10th November, 2021
Blog | News |

Join us in supporting the Cornwall Christmas Box appeal 2021

No summary available.

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12th October, 2021
Blog | Jobs and opportunities |

Are you a training provider?

This invitation is an opportunity for training providers to deliver a meaningful programme of activity or project that enables NEET young people to achieve functional skills (Maths and English) whilst preparing them for employment or further training.

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11th October, 2021
Blog | News |

Joe Allen and his experience at PADA Studios in Portugal

Joe was recently selected for an incredible artist residency to work at PADA Studios in Barreiro, just south of Lisbon.

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7th October, 2021
Blog | Jobs and opportunities |

Are you both a Young Person and an Artist?

No summary available.

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7th October, 2021
Blog |

What do you want?

How do we define success, and how do we find joy in the pursuit of success?

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1st October, 2021
Blog | Jobs and opportunities |

Liskeard Library – we’re looking for contractors for an ambitious project for Cornwall.

Looking ahead to bringing the library back to Liskeard.

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30th September, 2021
Blog | News |

Meet the SEN Schools Sharing their Arts Achievements!

This week is inclusion week and what better way to celebrate than sharing some of the fantastic work SEN and Alternative Provision (AP) schools in the South West have been doing.

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24th September, 2021
Blog | News |

Picking Futures

Our Eden Apple Academy is now in full swing, but what is it all about? 

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21st September, 2021
Blog | News | Jobs and opportunities |

Stories of Powerful Women in Plymouth Call Out

Plymouth's Laureate of Words, Laura Horton, wants to hear your stories about Plymouth's powerful women!

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7th September, 2021
Blog |

Why is co-working such a good idea?

Put simply, coworking is sharing a workplace or office with a range of different people. Here are five stand-alone advantages to working in a co-work office:

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6th September, 2021
Blog | Bridge |

Welcome to The New School Year…hopefully.

No summary available.

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6th September, 2021
Blog | News |

The Resurgam Charter: building back better…

Real Ideas is proud to announce our commitment to the Resurgam Charter: Plymouth’s COVID-19 economic recovery plan.

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12th August, 2021
Blog |

Is There Hope For The Future of Exams?

Real Ideas Educating Differently Programme Lead, Gary Futcher shares his thoughts on results day and the conversation surrounding exams.

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17th July, 2021
Blog | News |

Hedgerow Hound fuelling an immersive future with sustainable food at the Market Hall.

Find out more about the plant-based foodie family from Dartmoor who fuelled a week of discovery at Market Hall.

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6th July, 2021
Blog |

Digital Badges: The Digital Future of Improvement

Read Baileys first blog post about why Digital Badging is the skill of the future.

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21st June, 2021
Blog |

Ocean Studios Open Day

The sun was shining with barely a cloud in sight when I went to the Open Day at Ocean Studios, it felt like I was on holiday!

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17th June, 2021
Blog |

G7 Fringe - We are noisy!

We stand as a united front against those who seek to ignore climate change and social justice. Everyone acknowledges we have a big wall to climb and we are all eager to see what is on the other side.

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15th June, 2021
Blog | News | Jobs and opportunities |

LQBTQ+ Artist & Food Producer Call-Out

We are looking for bold, innovative creatives from the LGBTQ+ community to take part in our programme this August!  

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15th June, 2021
Blog | News |

7 Steps to Change The World #G7Fringe

No summary available.

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4th June, 2021
Blog | News |

CIVIC /// An Interview with Dom Moore

We caught up with Dom Moore in the Ocean Studios courtyard to discuss his latest exhibition, find out more about the project here.

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25th May, 2021
Blog | News |

A taster and introduction to letterpress, where the imperfections are the icing on the cake

I like the message, no two ‘things’ are the same and if we can celebrate differences and ‘imperfections’ in art, we can do this in people too.

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21st May, 2021
Blog | News |

PHASE SHIFTER - A new immersive artwork by Squidsoup at Ocean Studios

We’re celebrating the lifting of restrictions on indoor entertainment the only way we know how – with amazing art and local talent!

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6th May, 2021
Blog | Jobs and opportunities |

Are you a training provider? Read our tender to deliver a meaningful programme of activity to help NEET young people

This invitation is an opportunity for training providers to deliver a meaningful programme of activity or project that enables NEET young people to achieve functional skills (Maths and English) whilst preparing them for employment or further training.

Read more

29th April, 2021
Blog |

Employability Day - How can digital badges build brighter futures?  

Digital badges are the future of innovative recruitment and are being used in some really creative ways, supporting individuals to find employment by showcasing their skills and achievements, not the paper they’ve collected.

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29th April, 2021
Blog | News |

Introducing Park Pioneers

Introducing Community Business Pioneer Parks…

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22nd April, 2021
News | Blog |

Real Ideas for Earth Day

Whatever you do, enjoy taking some time on Earth Day to connect with the part of you that is in awe and wonder at the natural world and wants not just to connect with it, but to work with others to care for and enhance it.

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19th April, 2021
Blog | State of Us |

The State of Places & Spaces – Speakers Announcement

The State of Us 2021 continues on Tuesday 27th of April with its second event in the series, and we have another round of brilliant speakers to share with you!

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16th April, 2021
Blog | News |

Co-work and the post-covid workplace at Real Ideas

As our co-work facilities reopen, we're looking forward to welcoming our members back and discovering what the future of work looks like.

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13th April, 2021
Blog | News | Jobs and opportunities |

We're recruiting three exciting new roles!

We’re ready to shake things up and create some positive change... are you?

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12th April, 2021
Youth Voice | Blog |

Life Before Real Ideas

The fantastic JoJo is back with her second blog post about her life before joining the Youth Hub programme...

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30th March, 2021
Blog | News | Jobs and opportunities |

Think Big Shop Small this summer with Real Ideas.

We want the voice of local makers and artists to be heard, and our spaces are excellent platforms to do so!

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29th March, 2021
Jobs and opportunities | Blog | News |

Art is open

We are looking for bold, innovative creatives to join us on our mural journey, developing an ever-changing series of murals for the community to enjoy.

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25th March, 2021
Blog |

Dream Job: REALised - Helping young people achieve their goals

Find out how Real Ideas is helping young people to realise their ambitions.

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23rd March, 2021
Blog | News |

Badge Nation at the Cities of Learning Summit

Digital badges are a visual and credible nugget of digital data that allows organisations to vouch for you. Find out more at the upcoming Cities of Learning Summit

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19th March, 2021
Blog | News | Youth Voice |

Selling Your Soul

Jojo tells us of her experience joining a recent webinar!

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19th March, 2021
Youth Voice | Blog | News |

How Real Ideas Helped Re-start My Career

Read Rhianna's blog about her experience of working with Real Ideas

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15th March, 2021
Blog |

Game Changer works and here’s the proof – Check out our case studies

Having supported over 1,500 young people on our Game Changer programme and helped them to get into the world of employment, training or employed, we love shouting about our participants' successes.

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15th March, 2021
Blog | News |

Meet the team behind our Game Changer programme

Game Changer looks to offer support for young people aged 15 - 24 in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. As lead delivery partner, we are lucky to have a team of experienced navigators that all share the same passion – helping young people to realise their potential.

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15th March, 2021
Blog |

Partnerships and Game Changer - Working together to providing support for young people in Cornwall

Partnership offer support and opportunities. This is the case regarding Game Changer– a programme that looks to help young people aged between 15 – 24 who are not in employment, education or training in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

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15th March, 2021
Blog |

We are experts in young people – Discover what Game Changer can do for you

As a young person, the road to getting your dream job, or any job for that matter, is tough enough. Throw in a pandemic and it may suddenly seem impossible. But, it isn’t. This is when we step up to help. We are Game Changer and we see the world differently.

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12th March, 2021
Blog | Case Study |

George: Painting Creative Job Opportunities during Covid

A 22 year old from St Austell in Cornwall has kept himself both inspired and motivated throughout the recent COVID crisis, thanks to Game Changer and Real Ideas.

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9th March, 2021
Blog |

The Good, the bad and the Ugly – reflecting on the Budget, March 2021

Delivering a budget during a pandemic was never an enviable task, particularly one that tries to plan for the unknown world beyond Covid.

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8th March, 2021
Blog |

Women who draw - supporting one another through lockdown

We invited local artist and Real Ideas member Emma Carlisle to share her story of a group of 5 women drawing their way through Lockdown 3.0.

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8th March, 2021
Blog |

Women leading by example - embracing winter waters

For many, they were simply brave enough to ask the question so often asked of Pauline at the edge of the water in Bigbury, Crownhill Bay or Tinside East, “Can I join?”. Thanks to women like Pauline and Katie, the answer is a resounding, “Jump on in”!

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5th March, 2021
Blog | News |

Our Youth Hub MP Visit

Recently at Real Ideas, we have had some very exciting things happening on our programmes with local young people. Our Youth Hub programme, which is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions started in September. It has been doing extremely well and the hard work has not gone unnoticed!

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2nd March, 2021
Blog | Case Study |

The Wildings – A School with a Mission

This is social enterprise in action. This is the work that we support. 

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26th February, 2021
Blog |

Generation E Mental Health March

Welcome to Generation E’s takeover! We will be sharing a series of activities, tips, challenges and more that raises awareness for mental health during the month of March.

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25th February, 2021
Blog | News | Jobs and opportunities |

Open Call for Speakers on Diversity in Creative Sector Businesses

Real Ideas are excited to be offering the opportunity to help us by inspiring a wave of activity designed to diversify the creative landscape in Cornwall.

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15th February, 2021
Blog | News | Jobs and opportunities |

Kickstart success for Real Ideas with 189 placements secured

Real Ideas was approved as a Government gateway for the scheme in 2020 and to date has secured 189 placements for more than 55 employers.

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29th January, 2021
Blog | Case Study |

C-Space case study: Say hello to Emma Gunn and her business, Trillium

No summary available.

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5th January, 2021
Blog | News |

Real Ideas are seeking local bespoke carpenters and/or furniture makers

We are looking for South West based carpenter(s) or furniture makers to work with us on creating bespoke joinery for the Market Hall, due to open in March 2021.

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31st December, 2020
Blog | News |

It's goodbye from us... for now - Update on our spaces

In line with the new Tier 3 restrictions coming into effect in Devon and Cornwall from today (Thursday 31 December 2020) we must now close our Spaces to the public and move all of delivery online for the foreseeable future.

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18th December, 2020
Blog | News |

A little bit of music - Enjoy tunes from Grace Lightman and Elani Evangelou

Offering a little music and normality in 2020.

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4th December, 2020
Blog | News |

Providing food for families during the festive season

No summary available.

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27th November, 2020
Blog | News |

Changing spaces and looking forward to welcoming back audiences… 

No summary available.

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27th November, 2020
Blog | News |

Think Big Shop Small

Small businesses have supported us this year by closing their doors to keep us safe, now it’s time to return the favour. 

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27th November, 2020
Blog |

Gifts under £30 - Think Big Shop Small

Gifting under £30 doesn't have to be tough, we've got you covered.

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27th November, 2020
Blog |

Gifts For Kids - Think Big Shop Small

Shop for gifts made by independent businesses this festive season!

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27th November, 2020
Blog |

Gifts For The Foodie - Think Big Shop Small

Got a foodie friend or a a loved one that loves to cook? Our 'Gifts for the Foodie' guide is just what you need!

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27th November, 2020
Blog |

Gifts For Him - Think Big Shop Small

Looking for a gift for him? We've gathered a selection of gift ideas to make your Christmas shopping that little bit easier!

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27th November, 2020
Blog |

Gifts For Her - Think Big Shop Small

Trying to find that special gift for her? Look no further!

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27th November, 2020
Blog |

Experience Gifts And Kits - Think Big Shop Small

No summary available.

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4th November, 2020
Blog |

Game Changer Participant Takes Over to Cook Up A Storm

Kieran kindly volunteered to take part in the Game Changer food skills share session. These sessions have been designed to allow young people to share a food-based skill, story, insight, experience or a recipe with fellow Game Changer peers.

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3rd November, 2020
Blog |

COVID 19 Update for our Spaces and Members

In line with the new COVID restrictions coming into effect from Thursday 05 November we will be closing our Spaces to the public and moving all of our delivery online.  

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3rd November, 2020
Blog |

COVID 19 Update for Members

In line with the new COVID restrictions coming into effect from Thursday 05 November we will be closing our Spaces to the public and moving all of our delivery online.  

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23rd October, 2020
Blog |

How do I best support my Kickstart placement?

No summary available.

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23rd October, 2020
Blog | Case Study |

Support for your Kickstart Placement

No summary available.

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19th October, 2020
Blog |

Real Ideas makes work and careers opportunities happen for 18-25 year olds

For 18-25 year olds, simply getting started on the road to finding a dream job, or even simply getting a job can be the hardest part of all. Especially the way things are at the moment.

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14th October, 2020
Blog |

Community businesses receive funding to grow green

Several Devonport and Stonehouse community businesses have been awarded a share of €50,000 to help restore nature and connect communities with Plymouth’s green spaces, as part of the Green Minds project.

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12th October, 2020
Blog |

Kickstart for Schools

We have developed an offer that will support schools to take on Kickstart placements in a way that ensures the process works as easily and simply as possible. We will ensure schools understand what is involved, place their Kickstart employee in an appropriate role in their setting and set up the right support around the placement.

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7th October, 2020
Blog |

Kickstart FAQs

We’ve compiled a list of FAQs. Please note that these are our interpretation of many queries raised with DWP and some information may change.

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1st October, 2020
Blog |

Kickstart - Why Real Ideas?

Real Ideas is actively looking to become a ‘Gateway’ organisation (you may have heard this role described as an intermediary or representative body) for the Government's Kickstart job creation scheme. 

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1st October, 2020
Blog |

Kickstart – What are the costs for me as an employer?

Real Ideas is acting as a gateway to help businesses and organisations access the scheme. So, what are the costs for you as an employer to benefit from the scheme?

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30th September, 2020
Blog |

Kickstart - helping young people find employment

From May of this year, reports and articles started to appear about the looming youth unemployment crisis facing the UK bought about by coronavirus.

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15th September, 2020
Blog | News |

What can be done to help young people in 2020

The headline news today that youth unemployment has risen to 4.1% is sadly not unexpected and likely doesn't show the full picture.

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3rd September, 2020
Blog |

Reflecting on Game Changer Progress in West Cornwall

A short reflection written by one of the brilliant Game Changer navigators.

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1st September, 2020
Blog |

Time to be more Ken

Educating Differently Programme Lead Gary Futcher reflects on an educational ‘what might have been’

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10th August, 2020
Blog |

Community Tourism – Overcoming Challenges with Enterprise, Empowerment and Endless Enthusiasm

A movement of locally rooted, independent enterprises and activists is emerging.

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10th August, 2020
Blog |

Game Changer Induction Week Success!

Find out about the most recent Game Changer Induction Week

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10th August, 2020
Blog |

Real Ideas Fellowship Opportunity for Young People in the South West

Discover how to apply to our Fellowship opportunities!

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7th August, 2020
Blog | News |

Young People and their Digital Badges

Find out the benefits of digital badges.

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6th August, 2020
Blog | News |

Start Something - support for brilliant new enterprises

Offering 10 FREE membership packages worth over £3,000 each to entrepreneurial people with ideas that we think could become brilliant businesses.

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6th August, 2020
Blog | News |

How has Covid affected jobs in Devon and Cornwall and how Real Ideas can help

For the majority of us who live in Cornwall and Devon, the biggest impact of Covid is likely to be economic, rather than health related.

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5th August, 2020
Blog |

Virtual Work Experience Opportunity for Game Changer Participants

Triangular Pixels are award-winning game developers based in Cornwall. They are looking for budding game artists to take part in virtual work experience.

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31st July, 2020
Blog |

Setting out on a new journey

An inspiring young person's work journey with Asperger's Syndrome.

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31st July, 2020
Blog |

Aspergers' is my superpower - Blog by WorkAble participant Jessica

No summary available.

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31st July, 2020
Blog |

Johanna's Game Changer Journey

No summary available.

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10th July, 2020
Blog |

Making Better Together

Educating Differently Programme Lead and former headteacher Gary Futcher outlines our plans to support curriculum, recovery and wellbeingin schools though new communities of practice.

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11th June, 2020
Blog |

Real Ideas and One Planet Living

As the UK and more of the Western World begins the long road out of lockdown, Real Ideas is looking hard at what lessons and even benefits it has brought to our lives and to our environment.

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4th June, 2020
Blog |

Today and tomorrow cannot be business as usual.

No summary available.

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28th May, 2020
Blog |

‘There is nothing so strong as an idea whose time has come’

Following our recent ‘Imagining the Future Normal’ webinar looking at education post-lockdown, Real Ideas Project Lead and former headteacher Gary Futcher reflects on the way ahead.

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20th May, 2020
Blog | Jobs and opportunities |

We want to make your Ideas Real

No summary available.

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15th May, 2020
Blog | News |

Introducing Bluff Its – Giving parents the edge in the home-schooling stakes

No summary available.

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13th May, 2020
Blog | News |

Let’s Create Packs’ for families in need

No summary available.

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24th April, 2020
Blog |

Business is our business

No summary available.

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23rd April, 2020
Blog |

Does COVID provide a moment to re-evaluate our education system – to future (and virus) proof it?


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No summary available.

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22nd April, 2020
Blog |

Food and shelter remain the most important factors for survival, but in 21st century Britain, access to the internet is running a close second.


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22nd April, 2020
Blog |

Don’t have the kit or connectivity to access the internet during lockdown? Don’t worry, we can help.

No summary available.

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1st August, 2019
Blog |

Extraordinary Times

No summary available.

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4th July, 2019
Blog |

Transcending Prison Walls

No summary available.

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4th February, 2019
Blog | Case Study |

Our Engine Room Journey

No summary available.

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26th October, 2018
Blog |

PLANS FOR LIBRARY SUBMITTED

No summary available.

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19th September, 2018
Blog |

The Hidden Revolution

No summary available.

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17th July, 2018
Blog |

Community Owned Change – We Need To Talk About Anarchism

No summary available.

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5th May, 2018
Blog | News |

Congratulations Lindsey Hall!

No summary available.

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8th December, 2017
Blog | News |

Social Enterprise UK’s Honorary Fellows

No summary available.

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12th May, 2017
Blog |

Don’t use schools for audience development

No summary available.

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24th April, 2017
Blog |

Blood, Sweat and Infrastructure (oh, and graphene?)

No summary available.

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21st June, 2016
Blog |

The secret behind Ballot Street Spice success

Nicholas Clitheroe, RIO Consultant

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10th February, 2016
Blog |

Next Gen. report raising profile of digital creativity

No summary available.

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7th August, 2015
Blog |

Top ten tips and techniques for transformative social enterprise terraforming

Here are my top tips and techniques for supporting social enterprise growth in rural areas.

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24th June, 2015
Blog |

Where public and private sector dare not/care not tread

No summary available.

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