NAViGO is a provider of mental health and associated services including ancillary services such as catering and cleaning which create employment and training for people with mental health issues. Together with reserves and a charitable grant, an £800,000 Unity loan has allowed NAViGO to purchase a garden centre including a five bed bungalow, as a going concern from where it can run a variety of services, growing and diversifying its income streams. The site has a range of current and potential uses including a garden centre, retail outlets, conferencing facilities and space for a farmers market and camping. This will allow NAViGO to create additional revenue sources and provide activities which benefit the wellbeing of the wider community. It will also allow for expansion of current schemes providing training, education, qualifications and employment for vulnerable people.

Simon Beeton, Finance Director, NAViGO CIC commented, “Unity was recommended by a similar organisation as being flexible and open for business. Our Relationship Manager and the lending team delivered first class service, taking the time to understand NAViGO and our requirements. The result of the loan will have a substantial positive impact our sustainability and the lives of the people we support”