The Canvas for Change cover art

The Canvas for Change

The Canvas for Change

Written by: Ruth Rogers
Listen for free

About this listen

My name’s Ruth Rogers, but for 8 years of my life, I was Ruth from The Canvas. A tiny cafe with a huge heart just off Brick Lane in East London.


We were a refuge and resource for the homeless and our neighbours in need, a sanctuary for the lonely and lost. We hosted events that included improv nights and support groups for mental health, providing a space for people to plant positive ideas in our soil, to grow powerful projects that are still creating ripples of happiness and hope across the world today.


But two years ago that space was taken away.


2 years on, I’m ready to tell the story of The Canvas, and invite you all on a journey with me; a journey that will celebrate the people and projects that exist today because of The Canvas, and explore how we might connect and unite more spaces, to exist as The Canvas did; as beacons of hope, and spaces for change.


So; launching 2 years since the first chapter ended, this is the start of the next one.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ruth Rogers
Economics Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Chantal Miller & Island Girls Rock
    Jan 16 2025

    In this conversation, Chantal Miller discusses with Ruth Rogers the inception and growth of Island Girls Rock, a community aimed at empowering Caribbean women and girls that launched at Ruth's community cafe, The Canvas, in 2015.


    She shares stories of the impact of their events, the organic growth of the organisation, and the importance of community engagement.


    Chantal emphasises the need for physical spaces for connection and healing, reflecting on the historical context of the Caribbean diaspora, highlighting the significance of mentorship, wellness, and storytelling in fostering a supportive community.


    Follow Island Girls Rock: https://www.instagram.com/igr_love

    IGR website: https://islandgirlsrock.com/

    IGR podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0K6aPBfVMOrvlaAAfWvO10


    Chapters

    00:00

    Introduction to The Canvas and Its Impact

    10:10

    The Birth of Island Girls Rock

    18:56

    The Evolution of Island Girls Rock

    28:19

    Future Aspirations and Expansion Plans

    30:49

    Creating a Network of Supportive Cafes

    35:55

    The Role of Island Girls Rock in Reconnection

    38:11

    Childhood Memories and the Power of Food

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Dave & Ems Cornthwaite and The YES Tribe
    Jan 8 2025


    Founder of The Canvas Ruth Rogers speaks with Dave and Emma Cornthwaite, the founders of the YES Tribe, a community focused on positivity, adventure, and personal growth.


    They discuss the origins of the YES Tribe, which began with a simple camping invitation, that then developed at Ruth's cafe The Canvas, and has blossomed into a thriving community.


    The chat explores the evolution of their events, the creation of the YES Bus and camping and community space Big Sky Hideaways, and the transformative impact of their community on individuals' lives.


    Dave and Ems emphasise the importance of creating spaces for connection and the power of saying 'yes' to new experiences.


    The YES Tribe website: https://sayyesmore.com/

    Big Sky Hideaway: https://bigskyhideaway.com/ and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigskyoasis/ and TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigskyhideaway

    Ben Fogle's New Lives in the Country featuring Dave and Ems: https://bigskyhideaway.com/benfogle

    Dave's website: https://davecornthwaite.com/ and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davecorn/

    Ems' Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KaremboCrafts

    Ems' book recommendation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Where_the_Crawdads_Sing


    Chapters

    00:00

    Introduction to the Canvas Podcast and Its Mission

    02:29

    The Birth of the Yes Tribe

    05:03

    Creating Community Through Adventure

    08:00

    The Evolution of Yes Tribe Events

    10:58

    The Role of the Canvas in the Yes Tribe's Journey

    13:23

    Building the Yes Bus and Big Sky Hideaways

    16:20

    Impact Stories from the Yes Tribe Community

    18:45

    The Power of Positivity and Community

    23:32

    Creating a Positive Community Atmosphere

    28:09

    The Evolution of the Yes Tribe

    33:10

    Future Plans and Community Engagement

    37:59

    Reflections on Family and Legacy


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • Laurence McCahill & the Happy Startup School
    Dec 18 2024

    Ruth Rogers interviews Laurence McCahill, co-founder of the Happy Startup School, which aims to redefine entrepreneurship by prioritising purpose and happiness over just profit.


    Laurence shares the journey of creating a community-focused business that challenges traditional business norms, emphasising the importance of connection and support among entrepreneurs.


    Reflecting on the evolution of their initiatives, and the role of blogging in building their philosophy, Laurence reveals the impact of their events on fostering a sense of belonging among like-minded individuals.


    The Happy Startup School's website: https://thehappystartupschool.com/

    Follow Happy Startup on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happystartups/

    Happy Startups on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHappyStartupSchool/


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
No reviews yet