The Gazette hunts high and low each week to bring you news of the most interesting new businesses in Hackney. This week we speak to Charlie Wright who helps artists affected by homelessness and mental illness through his social enterprise.

Hackney Gazette: The team behind Hopeful Traders clothing hope to raise ?10,000 through a crowd funder. Picture: Rosie MathesonThe team behind Hopeful Traders clothing hope to raise ?10,000 through a crowd funder. Picture: Rosie Matheson (Image: Rosie Matheson)

A budding social enterprise that works with artists affected by homelessness and mental illness is hoping to raise £10,000 through a crowd funding campaign.

Hopeful Traders clothing collaborates with artists to create t-shirts, sweatshirts and tote bags in Hackney Downs Studio in Amhurst Terrace.

Artists receive 10 per cent of the revenue of the products which are sold online and at Camden Market.

A Kickstarter campaign is launching at 6pm tomorrow at the Canvas Café in Brick Lane to raise money for its new collection and future projects.

Founder Charlie Wright told the Gazette: “Living in London homelessness becomes part of the background and people almost start to ignore it, but it’s obvious it’s a situation that’s getting worse.

“When you speak to people it’s clear the things they lack are the opportunity to show their work and get their voice out there but also that network of support of people around them.

“I wanted to share the opportunities I’d been given and use the support I had myself to give support to other people.”

See hopefultraders.com/pages/kickstarter.