Episode Summary:
In this episode, Bernie chats with Stephen Carrick-Davis, founder of FaceWork and a passionate advocate for creating work opportunities through community spaces.
Together, they explore how the FaceWork maker space initiative in South London is breaking down barriers to employment, supporting refugees, and redefining what it means to “make” jobs instead of just seeking them.
They discuss how coworking can serve as a modern community hub, fostering connection, resilience, and local engagement in ways that support those often excluded from traditional labour markets.
Timeline Highlights:
[0:03] – Emily introduces the Third Place Works Coworking Community Builder Cohort
[0:24] – Bernie introduces Stephen Carrick-Davis and the impact of FaceWork
[1:25] – Makerspace and its effects on local London communities
[2:32] – Social impact coworking: Bridging the gap for those furthest from the job market
[5:51] – Stephen on job making vs. job seeking and redefining ‘making’
[8:34] – Shallow entry points: A new perspective on the world of work
[10:49] – Making as social integration: How FaceWork builds community
[12:15] – The importance of intergenerational connections in neighbourhoods
[13:54] – Rebuilding local trust and connection post-COVID
[17:30] – Why coworking spaces should serve as community hubs
[20:14] – The high street as a new coworking frontier
[23:51] – Lessons from Spain: Community at the school gate
[28:15] – Stephen’s approach to empowering refugee communities
Detailed Episode Breakdown:
The Impact of Makerspaces: Bridging Gaps in London
Stephen explores the purpose behind FaceWork’s maker space initiative, a community-driven project in South London aimed at helping those on the fringes of the job market.
From supporting refugees to rethinking job-making, Stephen highlights how the maker space model is about more than just workspace—it’s about connection, empowerment, and real-world change.
Job Seeking vs. Job Making: A New Mindset for Work
Bernie and Stephen discuss the powerful concept of “making” jobs rather than simply seeking them.
For Stephen, making isn’t just about physical creation and building connections, skills, and opportunities, especially for those facing language or cultural barriers in traditional job-seeking processes.
Reimagining Community Spaces for Social Good
Stephen shares his vision for community-led coworking spaces, reflecting on the need for accessible, ‘high-street coworking spaces.’
This isn’t just about business; it’s about creating local hubs where connections are formed and trust is built.
Stephen believes these spaces can foster a new era of social integration and local cohesion.
Learning Through Experience: Shallow Entry Points in Work
The conversation turns to shallow entry points, an approach that allows people to ease into the job market through accessible, low-pressure environments.
Stephen likens this to a “swimming pool” approach, where people can wade in without feeling overwhelmed, offering refugees and younger generations a chance to develop confidence and skills gradually.
Rebuilding Social Fabric Post-COVID
Reflecting on lessons learned during COVID, Bernie and Stephen talk about how the pandemic has reshaped local communities.
For Stephen, coworking spaces represent modern-day community centres, spaces that can foster relationships across generations and backgrounds.
He shares his hopes for coworking to help repair the social fabric, creating environments where people are more connected and supportive of one another.
The outline for the maker space
Links & Resources:
FaceWork main website
One More Thing
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21st Century Community: Work & Social Change with Stephen Carrick-Davis