Giraffe is an innovative community social enterprise at the heart of the Perthshire community. Established in 2009, our key aim is to tackle the pressing and entrenched social problem of the unemployment and social exclusion of people with enduring mental ill-health, disabilities and other significant workplace barriers.

The unmet need we address comprises:

• The lack of opportunities for effective support for disadvantaged adults who are making the fragile transition into the mainstream work environment
• The lack of part-time paid employment opportunities and vocational training giving job-seekers meaningful experience and credibility when applying for paid work with local employers
• The discrimination, stigma and profound lack of understanding among the public and local employers about the positive skills, attributes and enthusiasm that disadvantaged people can bring to the workplace.

Giraffe runs four sustainable community businesses including South Street Shop & Café, the Stir It Up Training Kitchen, Mill St Café, and the Ladeside Garden Centre.