Labre’s Hope: Tackling Long Term Homelessness, With… Soap.

Labre’s Hope is on a mission to support some of South Yorkshire’s most vulnerable people, via an interesting new initiative: ethically-created, hand-made soaps.

The project was set up by two young entrepreneurs, named Aaron Probert and Joash Nelson Piercy – earlier on this year (2022), in a bid to tackle long-term homelessness, by giving individuals who have found themselves without a place to live – a chance to rebuild their lives.

Labre’s Hope has been working closely with the South Yorkshire Housing Association, and the homeless charity Crisis, supporting eighteen people, and employing thirteen members of staff; all of whom have been affected by homelessness. The brand has also secured more than half a million pounds of funding through the government’s Community Renewal Fund, and is part-funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

Each employee receives a living wage to help them secure a home of their own, and they’re supported by weekly coaching and well-being sessions, to help them learn the skills needed to enjoy a clean start.

The new range of soaps features five different scents, and they’re manufactured using sustainably-sourced, plant-based materials. They’re formulated to be gentle to the skin, and they’re free from harmful ingredients (such as palm oil, for instance). Also, as a finishing touch, the packaging of each bar of soap is signed by its maker, creating a connection between the customer and the producer.

“The launch of our first product range is a significant milestone for Labre’s Hope, and it’s the result of many months of planning, development, and preparation,” said Labre’s Hope’s Aaron Probert.

“When we launched the business in March, it was our long-term vision to rethink the way we view homelessness, by not only addressing the root causes that can result in someone losing their home, but crucially, equipping those we support with the vital skills to help them rebuild their lives.”

Aaron first began to develop the idea for Labre’s Hope whilst he was studying for a business degree. A chance encounter with a homeless woman who was forced to leave her family home after experiencing domestic abuse, led to alcohol dependency. He was so touched by the experience, that he decided to do something about it.

Find out more here: https://www.labreshope.co.uk