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About
At Real Purpose, we're dedicated to helping individuals discover meaningful opportunities tailored to their skills and aspirations, supporting their journey towards recovery.
Our holistic approach empowers people to find purpose through employment, education, or volunteering, providing the support and tools needed for a better future.
Our Story
Real Purpose is a social enterprise based in Leicestershire, England, UK.
We are driven by a shared passion for making a positive difference to the lives of individuals as well as the local and wider community.
We have years of experience in employment, skills and mental health programmes, as well as personal lived experience of mental ill health. Both witnessing the transformative impact purposeful work can bring, we saw an opportunity to create something truly impactful.
We believe in the power of collaboration and aim to partner with individuals, employers and communities to unlock opportunities where they're needed most.
Our journey starts with a focus on addressing a critical gap in employment support for those in Leicestershire County accessing or at risk of needing support by primary care services for their mental health.
But our mission doesn't end there. We want to expand our reach and work with other disadvantaged groups to help them discover their purpose through work, volunteering or learning.
Meet The Team
Peter Smith
Director, Employment Adviser
As a social entrepreneur, Peter previously founded Aspiro Opportunities and the ZERO Project. Aspiro ran for 8 years, commissioned by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) to provide employment services for those with lived experience of mental ill health. The ZERO Project was a recycling project offering work and learning opportunities to disadvantaged locals.
LPT then brought the contract in-house with Peter leading the Mental Health Employment Support Service. Having managed the NHS service and Aspiro, Peter has helped and overseen the helping of over a thousand people find paid employment. Peter's expertise also spans to bid writing, interview coaching, and training.
Now, Peter has left the NHS to co-establish Real Purpose, a new social enterprise. Through Real Purpose, he pursues the mission to help people change their lives though work, learning and volunteering.
Jess Talbott
Director, Marketing & Communications
Jess embarked on her professional journey in digital marketing, showcasing her skills and acumen in the field. Transitioning from digital marketing, she then managed marketing, communications and an online well-being community.
Her experience has shaped her role at Real Purpose, where she is also responsible for marketing and communications, aiming to amplify the organisation's reach and ensuring that Real Purpose's mission resonates far and wide.
Vanessa Flynn
Tutor
Vanessa Flynn brings nearly 30 years of expertise to her role as a tutor at Real Purpose. With a background in recruitment, HR, and education, Vanessa specialises in equipping clients with essential skills for their next steps.
From CV writing to interview techniques, Vanessa empowers our clients to succeed in the job market. Her focus on boosting confidence, motivation, and self-esteem ensures clients are prepared to excel in their professional endeavours whilst maintaining good wellbeing. With Vanessa's guidance, Real Purpose clients receive tailored support to achieve their career goals effectively.
Supporting individuals through training, mentoring, both in group and one to one basis, her commitment to learning and her compassionate approach make her an invaluable asset to the Real Purpose team.