Around 382,000 people experience homelessness within the UK [1], and it rose 8% last year alone. Homelessness is a significant concern, resulting in many difficulties than can arise for the person impacted from poor physical and mental wellbeing, to falling through the bureautic cracks.
That is one of the reasons that the work of Shakana Acheampong, founder of Balance Together CIC, is so vitally important. Because we can’t have conversations around mental wellbeing whilst ignoring some key systemic factors that contribute to the poor health of those facing significant disadvantage.
Shakana is one of the 7 entrepreneurs we have on our 2026 Together for Wellbeing programme cohort, and we’re so excited to introduce the work she does to you. She approaches her work by upholding and centering the dignity of those she helps, creating a community to offer the support needed and aims to find long-term practical solutions to homelessness.
As we always say; the entrepreneurs we support both through our programmes and through our workspace and community, are continuously inspiring us with their tenacious drive and determination to make the world a better place, for people and planet. Shakana with her work at Balance Together CIC is a perfect example of that.
You can get to know her more below…
Please introduce yourself
Hi, my name is Shakana Acheampong, founder of Balance Together CIC. I’m someone who believes deeply in the power of community, and long term action. I’ve experienced instability and periods of homelessness myself and those experiences shaped the way I see the world. They also made me realise that one person believing in you can completely change the direction of your life.
I’m incredibly driven and I love bringing people together to create something bigger than any one of us could do alone.
And tell us about your social enterprise, Balance Together CIC...
Balance Together CIC exists to help people facing homelessness and hardship rebuild their independence through practical support and genuine community,
Right now that looks like monthly community walks where we distribute food, clothing and essential items while building relationships and understanding people’s needs. In the long term my vision is to create pathways beyond survival through two main goals that is a mobile shower facility and accessible free shelter with an employment programme focusing on long term solutions rather than dependency
What is your why for doing the work you do?
My why is simple. I’ve lived it.
I know what it’s like to navigate life without stability and trying to sift your way through trying to gain support through complex systems which I found difficult to understand as someone who is also neurodivergent. I managed to receive help from friends at a very young age but there are others who don’t have the same support.
Balance Together was born from that experience. I don’t want people to just survive. I want them to have real opportunities to rebuild to know that there are people that care and that a way out is possible.
I’m lucky enough to know what it’s like when one person believes in you and your potential. Balance Together exists to make sure more people get that chance to know what that feels like.
In an ideal world, what impact do you want your social enterprise to have?
In an ideal world, Balance Together becomes part of a future where homelessness isn’t just responded to with emergency aid but with long term solutions
I want to create long term practical solutions when it comes to homelessness.
- Mobile shower facility including free meals
- Accessible free shelter with a structured employment programme
"My why is simple - I've lived it.”
What is the real-world impact of your social enterprise?
Since launching in September 2025, Balance Together has delivered six community walks across London, distributing an estimated 150 meals and over 70 bottles of water while building trusted relationships with people experiencing homelessness. The organisation has also mobilised volunteers, established a consistent presence on the streets and begun gathering the insights that will shape its long-term projects, including a mobile shower initiative and pathways back to independence.
Why did you want to join the Together for Wellbeing programme?
I know where I want Balance Together to go but I also know I don’t know everything. I wanted to join because I want to learn how to build something sustainable that can genuinely last. I’m especially excited to learn from other founders, strengthen partnerships and understand how to turn a big and ambitious vision into something practical and scalable.
What is the link between homelessness and mental wellbeing?
Mental wellbeing and homelessness are deeply connected.
When someone loses stability it affects confidence, relationships and hope for the future. Something as simple as having access to a shower, feeling part of a community or being treated with dignity can have a huge impact on how someone sees themselves.
For me, wellbeing starts with people feeling seen and knowing they matter.
Tell us something about yourself not related to your work
Outside of Balance Together I’m a circus artist and movement practitioner and poet. I love pushing myself physically and creatively and I’m fascinated by what human beings are capable of when they commit fully to something. I also have a habit of saying yes to things that scare me because I believe that’s usually where the biggest growth happens…this is often a double edged sword in my life.
How can you learn more about you and Balance Together CIC?
You can visit my website here: https://balance-together.co.uk
You can connect with me on social media here:
Linkedln: https://www.linkedin.com/company/balance-together/
Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/balancetogetherofficial/
Balance Together CIC hosts regular community walks where they are looking for volunteers to help and support them. Please do connect with Shakana if you would like to find out more.
We’re thrilled to have you get to know Shakana and the wonderful work she does with Balance Together CIC!
If you want to read more about the cohort, you can do so here.
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