A Swindon social enterprise praised by David Cameron for providing work for people recovering from mental illness has entered liquidation with the loss of 22 jobs.
LEAVES (Local Enterprise and Vocational Employment Schemes) ceased trading on September 23 due to insurmountable cashflow problems. 
Founded in 2002 and based on Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, LEAVES helped people recovering from mental illness in their efforts to get back to work.
Starting out as volunteers, members progressed to employees working on commercial recycling, gardening and conservation contracts.
LEAVES won one of the Prime Minister’s Big Society awards last year and earlier this year Bob Astbury, the chairman of the group at the time, was invited to Number 10 for a special reception with the nation’s most senior politician along with other award winners.
Julie Palmer and Simon Campbell, of business recovery and rescue specialist Begbies Traynor’s Swindon office, were appointed joint liquidators on September 30.
Efforts are being made to find new work for the 22 member employees made redundant as a result of the closure.
Julie Palmer said: “LEAVES provided a very important service to people in Wiltshire recovering from mental illness, so it is a great shame that it has found itself in a position with no alternative but to seek voluntary liquidation.
“We are working closely with directors to ensure that the business’s beneficiaries are supported in finding new employment.”
LEAVES secretary Anne Billingham added: “We would like to thank Swindon Council, all our local funders and supporters, such as the Midland Counties Co-op and all of our loyal customers over the years for their support in helping our members explore their employment potential and achieve a greater sense of well-being, whilst actively contributing to the community.
“All of our members are being supported individually to access other sources of support and opportunities to maintain their well-being and achieve their employment aspirations with the help of the council and Swindon MIND Employment service.”
