A Lancashire Community Interest Company

Skills, support and opportunities that help people move forward.

Beanstalk works with people and communities across Lancashire through practical courses, employability support, wellbeing activities and community projects that build confidence, develop real-life skills, create opportunities and bring people together.

Funded and Supported By

Lancashire County Council
Preston City Council
Funded by UK Government
The National Lottery
Selnet Social Enterprise Lancashire Network
Community Gateway
Onward Homes

Three ways we can help.

Whether you are people looking for support, an employer seeking local talent, or a funder investing in communities, Beanstalk has a pathway for you.

For Participants

Looking for support?

Friendly programmes, no pressure, no jargon, find one that fits.

Browse programmes

For Employers

Hiring or training?

Recruit local talent, host a placement, or co-design a course.

Partner with us

For Funders

Investing in Lancashire?

Read our outcomes, governance and current funding priorities.

“Fun. Friendly. Informative.”

what people say about our sessions

1,042

programme attendances

~800

people supported

93%

from lower income communities

82%

reported increased confidence

Anuja and Jitendra, WorkWell programme participants

WorkWell Case Study

Anuja and Jitendra

When everything changed, WorkWell was there.

When Anuja was suddenly dismissed from her job while on a Skilled Worker visa, it turned her and her husband Jitendra's life upside down. She had faced months of poor treatment at work, and the shock of losing her job without proper notice or process left her feeling hopeless and afraid. Her GP diagnosed her with depression, and the pressure on the family became overwhelming.

At the same time, Jitendra was trying to cope with the emotional strain of supporting his wife, managing their visa situation, and holding down his own job. He felt isolated, anxious and unsure where to turn.

Through the WorkWell programme, delivered by Beanstalk Skills Academy, both Anuja and Jitendra received personalised support at a time they needed it most.

Anuja was supported to understand her rights, access advice through Citizens Advice, ACAS and UKVI, and rebuild her confidence. With encouragement and practical help, she successfully secured a new visa sponsor and is now back in work with an employer who treats her fairly. Her mental health has since improved, and she is no longer experiencing depression.

“When I was struggling, you reassured me and helped me through. Every time I needed support, you were there. You are very kind people to help. Thank you.”

Anuja

Jitendra also received WorkWell support as someone in work but struggling. He described the impact of the situation as something he had never spoken about until now. With a space to talk and support to explore new options, he decided to become self-employed as an Uber driver. This has given him greater stability and control.

“My support has been unexpected, and I have not had anyone to talk to about it. I do not know how I would have faced it all without you. This has been a miracle to us. You were always there for us. Whenever we asked, you just supported.”

Jitendra

Thanks to the support of WorkWell, both Anuja and Jitendra have come through an incredibly difficult time and are now rebuilding their lives with confidence, stability and hope for the future.

“It has been a privilege to support Anuja and Jitendra through such a difficult and unjust experience. WorkWell in Preston is built to be flexible, community-focused and person-centred. This is exactly the kind of impact it is designed to have. It is incredible to see them both now moving forward with strength, stability and hope for the future.”

Kerry Stevens, Director of Beanstalk Skills Academy and specialist Work Coach

A self-reinforcing cycle.

Each part feeds the next. The more we do, the more the whole community benefits, which is exactly the point.

Beanstalk in the Community

People build trust through engaging activities in local centres.

Beanstalk to Work

That trust opens the door to confidence, skills and employment goals.

Beanstalk for Business

We support businesses to create meaningful jobs and inclusive job roles.

Back to Community

People and business reinvest value into communities.

Ready to take the next step?

We aim to reply within two working days.