Brightwayz hires new staff member from the refugee community with help of Social Supermarket sales

Our brand partner Brightwayz is celebrating getting more people moving through their active travel initiatives, thanks to help from sales on Social Supermarket. Their new Cycle-Lingo scheme supporting refugees had a boost, including through the welcome addition of a new full-time translator – a Ukrainian refugee himself.

Branded merchandise making everyday journeys greener and safer for all

Brightwayz (formerly Brightkidz) started off as a social enterprise championing active travel for school kids. By providing practical information and effective resources to schools and communities, they enable and encourage more children to walk, scoot or cycle safely to school.

Now, they’ve turned their attention to making everyday journeys greener and safer for everyone. At the heart of this is making places better. Think safer streets, lower carbon emissions, reduced car dependency, improved public health and overall better wellbeing. 

Sales of their accessories, apparel and stationery, part of our sustainable branded merchandise category, help fund this mission to make active travel the norm in local communities. 

The Cycle-Lingo scheme helping Ukrainian refugees gains speed

Recently, these sales have provided extra pedal power for Brightwayz’ Cycle-Lingo scheme. This new initiative combines cycle confidence training with language support for adults who have recently settled in the UK. In particular, they’re working with Ukrainian refugees in Northamptonshire. 

Describing the scheme, Alison Holland, founder of Brightwayz said, “It includes cycle training, maintenance training, refurbished bikes, route planning and the assistance of a translator for non-English speakers has been a great success. We’re able to commit to continuing and helping more local Ukrainian refugees to benefit from this.”

 

 

Team Brightwayz grows

The Ukrainian translator is a new addition to the team, joining Brightwayz full time and helping ensure the Cycle-Lingo scheme is a success. 

“Roman, who is a refugee himself, has now become a permanent part of the Brightwayz team,” explains Alison. “He’s assisting with the additional sales administration work thanks to the growth in orders from Social Supermarket.” 

Roman describes the transformative impact Cycle-Lingo has had on the community: “Before participating in the project, many local Ukrainians struggled with transportation issues, making it difficult to get to work, attend school or visit friends. The project provided them with bicycles and taught them how to cycle safely on UK roads. 

“This not only improved their mobility but also helped them integrate better into the community. Additionally, Cycle-Lingo has become a social hub for Ukrainians, offering a sense of community and support in a new country.”

He added how it’s been hugely beneficial and rewarding for him personally: “My role involves doing product visuals using Adobe illustrator and sales admin tasks as well as helping with community projects, which I find both fulfilling and engaging. One of the best aspects of my job is that it has helped me improve my English, making daily interactions and communications much easier. 

“Moreover, being part of such a supportive team has greatly facilitated my settling into the UK, providing a sense of stability and belonging.”

Creating healthier, greener, safer communities together

We’ve partnered with Brightwayz since 2023 and are delighted to see the impact we’ve made together in this short time. Their brandable products, like a natural cotton tote bag and mood-boosting desk garden, have proved a hit with our clients searching for corporate gifts that align with their values. 

Speaking about our partnership, Alison comments, “Working with Social Supermarket has been incredible for us. Through the subsequent increase in sales of our general promotional products, we have been able to help more people get cycling for everyday trips.”

“They help us achieve our mission of promoting safe, active, sustainable everyday travel for all. With transport the largest source of CO2 emissions, this is not just for social and health benefits but for environmental impacts too. We love working with them!”

Stock up on sustainable branded merchandise that makes a difference

Introduce your team and clients to sustainable branded merchandise making a difference to people’s lives and the planet. Not only will you find Brightwayz’ active travel-inspired products in the collection, but everything from water bottles and coffee cups to laptop cases and baseball caps.