Who We Are

2009 - 2011: A Seed of Support

Global Rise began as a group of community members in recovery from our Kingston community. United by a shared vision, they started a weekly community café and other activities to support each other and engage the wider community. During this time, principles from the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) model and the broader recovery movement were practiced, laying the foundation for a sustainable community support system. From this, the Recovery Initiative Social Enterprise (RISE) was born.

2011 - 2014: Recognition and Refinement

The local authority and SPAD recognized the group’s efforts, funding RISE for three years to provide post-rehabilitation care for those in recovery. The outcomes of these efforts were widely praised, with an unofficial evaluation by King's College London highlighting its success. However, community evaluations revealed that recovery often required addressing environmental factors rather than solely focusing on substance use. This insight shifted RISE’s mission towards building resilient communities capable of supporting each other sustainably.

2014 - 2019: Expanding Community Support

RISE broadened its focus, providing support to everyone in the community, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds. Weekly activities were launched to improve mental and physical well-being, promote education, and offer crucial services like legal advocacy, signposting, and support for asylum seekers and refugees. Guided by the ABCD model and evidence-based methodologies, RISE collaborated with community members to co-create impactful projects that fostered resilience and improved quality of life for all.

2019 - 2022: Education and Resilience in Crisis

2022 - to Present: Sustainability Through Social Enterprise

During this period, RISE prioritized access to education, establishing a community education centre for children and adults to improve their academic achievement. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the centre adapted by moving online, ensuring uninterrupted support for students. RISE also played a vital role in public health outreach, delivering NHS and Department of Health messages to over 60,000 individuals in hard-to-reach communities across southwest England. The weekly community café continued outdoors in the park, providing connection and sustenance despite restrictions, further boosting mental health and well-being during a challenging time.

Amid reduced funding and pandemic-related challenges, RISE developed a new, self-sustaining model, transforming its projects into social enterprises that generate income to fund community initiatives. These enterprises reinvest profits into the organization, enhancing lives across the community. Today, we are proud to be developing a community shop and tuition centre, increasing engagement while creating financial sustainability. These ventures empower community members, providing valuable services and ensuring the continuity of our mission to build a resilient, thriving society.

Our Journey

Looking Ahead

Our journey is one of growth, resilience, and innovation. At Global Rise CIC, we remain committed to empowering communities, creating sustainable solutions, and fostering collaboration for a brighter future.

Our Mission

Since our founding in 2009, Global Rise CIC has been committed to empowering communities through sustainable development and social enterprises. Our mission is to serve as a backbone organization for community growth, providing a platform for individuals, businesses, and groups to thrive. By focusing on local needs, we deliver services that include community cafés, training programs, emergency accommodations, and social enterprises like the new community store and Empower Build, which foster skill development and employment opportunities.

Our goal is to continue building a network that nurtures local talent, addresses pressing social issues, and promotes well-being for everyone. We aim to extend our reach to create stronger, healthier communities not only locally but in every region where we operate. Through partnerships with local authorities, businesses, and stakeholders, Global Rise CIC remains dedicated to providing solutions that benefit the most vulnerable, while creating pathways for education, employment, and self-sufficiency. Together, we envision a future where every community can reach its fullest potential

Our Vision

At Global Rise CIC, our vision is to build resilient, thriving communities where every individual has the opportunity to grow, succeed, and contribute to their local environment. We aspire to be a leading force in community development by creating sustainable social enterprises that uplift people and generate lasting impact.

Through innovative projects, training programs, and partnerships, we aim to empower individuals with the skills and confidence to achieve their full potential. Our long-term goal is to expand our initiatives across multiple regions, establishing a framework that encourages collaboration between businesses, organizations, and local authorities.

By investing in people and nurturing a sense of ownership within communities, we envision a future where social cohesion, well-being, and prosperity are shared by all, ensuring that no one is left behind.