We’re doubling down on our mission

At Serious Tissues, we care about making a positive impact just as much as we care about creating great products. So far, we’ve planted more than 1.5 million trees, created 17 years of employment for workers globally, and recovered 2.2 tonnes of plastic from our oceans. With every purchase, Serious customers are helping us protect ecosystems and build a better future.

Expanding our impact

Now, we’re taking things even further. Our mission has always been to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our planet. That’s why every product you buy supports reforestation and ocean cleanup. And now, we’re expanding our impact in a whole new way—through a jobs-first model that puts employment at the centre of social change for people affected by homelessness.

The employment-first model

Here’s the idea: providing people with temporary housing is important, but it doesn’t solve the long-term challenges they face. By creating opportunities for training, paid employment, and wraparound support, we can give people the tools they need to build sustainable futures.

Our program will train participants as Level 2 Cleaning and Hygiene Operatives, paying a living wage while also providing essentials like housing support, therapy, financial guidance, and skills development. This approach offers more than just work—it provides structure, confidence, and a sense of purpose. It’s a foundation for long-term success.

Opening Doors in the UK Cleaning Sector

 Why cleaning? Because it’s an industry in need of people—and people in need of opportunity.

Right now, there are 225,000 vacancies in the UK cleaning sector, while 354,000 people are affected by homelessness. That’s a gap we can close. By matching available roles with motivated individuals, we’re tackling two problems at once: filling jobs that keep our workplaces and communities running, while creating pathways out of homelessness.

Here’s how it works:

1. With the help of partner organisations, we’ll identify and refer candidates.
   

2. We’ll select those best suited to the program and roles available.
   

3. Trainees will receive full training and paid work experience.
   

4. While in the program, they’ll also receive housing support and additional services.
   

5. Participants will complete an apprenticeship and receive at least six months of continued support as they build their careers.
   

Our trainees come from many different backgrounds, including:

• People sofa surfing or struggling with unemployment
  

• Those at risk of homelessness due to debt or insecure housing
  

• Individuals in supported accommodation with additional mental health needs
  

• People who are currently unhoused and need extra support

The Cost of Change

Supporting one individual through this program costs £5,203, broken down as follows:

• Housing support: £1,500
  

• Living wage income: £2,083
  

• Therapy budget: £200
  

• Wardrobe budget: £1,000
  

• Laundering: £120
  

• Travel and transit: £300
  

This investment creates lasting change—not just for the individual but for the communities they become part of.

By choosing Serious, you’re not just buying better products. You’re funding reforestation, ocean cleanup, and now, meaningful employment opportunities right here in the UK. Together, we can make small switches that add up to serious impact.