At RAW, we believe that everyone can 'be exceptional, not the exception'. Society and 'services' label people who have faced prejudice and barriers as 'disadvantaged'- we don't buy into that. We know that, if somebody has walked a tough path in life and survived to get to us, they are, de facto, Exceptional. From that starting point we engage, support, develop and employ people from a diverse range of backgrounds (mental health, addiction recovery, ex-offenders, learning and physical disabilities). We have also just launched 'RAW Potential' a project aimed at 12 to 21 year olds.
We prove our point by running high quality social businesses in the manufacturing, recycling and grounds maintenance sectors. We don't trade on sympathy - we trade on quality, price and service.
There's also a core truth that runs through RAW and that is, just as bees need a hive, humans need a tribe. What is missing for so many people is connection, shared endeavour and a sense of belonging. We're incredibly proud that RAW is a place that people are passionate about being part of, a place where they can gain self-esteem and, ultimately, where they can believe in and attain happier more fulfilling lives.
We engage, train, employ and support people who have fought prejudice and disadvantage in our social businesses. Over 65% of our Crew will have walked some extremely challenging life paths. Our social businesses compete and win work using the same criteria as any 'normal business'. In this way, job by job and client by client, we challenge societal perceptions by demonstrating, not talking about, the potential of every individual.