Our Story

Built on lived experience.

A Lancashire CIC founded by someone who knows exactly what it feels like to need a chance.

Kerry Stevens

Founding Director

Beanstalk was founded by Kerry Stevens, whose own journey shapes everything we do.

At 16, Kerry was still in school when her son was born. Without qualifications, work experience or family support, she found herself living in social housing and relying on state benefits. Isolation, loneliness and deteriorating mental health made the future feel out of reach.

Then a project for young mums changed everything. It offered a work placement, access to college education and a funded nursery place for her son. Kerry was assigned a job coach named Joyce Boreham, whose support, encouragement and belief helped her complete the placement, earn a business administration qualification and build the confidence to start a meaningful career.

That experience changed the course of her life. Kerry has dedicated the years since to being that person for others, working across Myerscough College, Preston Vocational Centre and Community Gateway Association, supporting people into employment and overseeing placements, apprenticeships and funded projects.

“Someone once gave me a chance when I did not believe in myself. Beanstalk exists to give that same chance to others, because one opportunity can change everything.”

Kerry Stevens, Founding Director

Beanstalk grew from that belief: that skills are about more than learning. They are about confidence, connection and control over your own life.

Beanstalk is dedicated to Joyce, with love and thanks.

Our Mission

We exist to open doors.

Every programme, every session and every conversation is designed to help people feel capable, connected and in control of their own future.

Our Values

We welcome everyone

Our doors are open to all. No judgement, no barriers, just a warm welcome.

We go the extra mile

We do not just point people in the right direction. We walk alongside them.

We grow together

When the people we support grow, our community grows. We share in every success.

We genuinely care

Every person who comes to us matters. We remember names, stories and goals.

Meet the team

We never have a dull day. Our team works together to keep things welcoming, fun and full of energy.

Kerry Stevens

Founding Director

Kerry Stevens

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.”

Fun fact

Kerry once completed a marathon on roller boots.

Ve Bennett

Employment and Skills Lead

Ve Bennett

“It is what it is.”

Fun fact

Ve jumps out of her skin at the slightest thing, even when she knows it is going to happen.

Ummehani Pathan

Employment and Skills Mentor / Digital Skills Champion

Ummehani Pathan

“Believe you can and you're halfway there.”

Fun fact

I can speak 3 languages fluently.

Cameron Karri

Non-Executive Director, Business Development and Strategy

Cameron Karri

“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”

Fun fact

Cameron once missed the finish line in a race and kept running for another half a mile.

Chris Webb

Non-Executive Director, Human Resources and Organisational Development

Chris Webb

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Fun fact

Chris once got stuck in a lift in Liverpool Cathedral and had to be rescued by the fire brigade.

Rick Snyder

Non-Executive Director

Rick Snyder

“Live the life that you want to live, and you will meet the people that you want to meet.”

Fun fact

Fortune cookies were invented in Los Angeles.

Get Involved

Want to work with us?

Whether you are an individual, an employer or a funder, there is a place for you in the Beanstalk community.

Get in touch View our programmes