Celebrating 30 Years of Changing Lives
On 19th October, we marked our 30th birthday with a celebration event at Fort Dunlop with speakers including our CEO, Richard Beard, long-term supporters SCCT, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Team ITG plus the Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street.
Hosted by BBC WM’s Nikki Tapper, it was a fantastic day that saw some of our supporters, funders and partners celebrate together and see the impact of 30 years of changing lives.
Our seven social enterprises were there showcasing their products and services and showing how easy it is to give back and create a life-changing opportunity just by purchasing from them.
Also in attendance were some of our current beneficiaries as was our founder, Christine Parkinson.
Healthy vegan & vegetarian food was provided thanks to our ChangeKitchen social enterprise.
The social enterprise displays included sustainable reclaimed wooden products from The Wood Shack.
Some of the artwork was on display from our survivor of modern slavery art therapy sessions.
Started in 1993 by volunteers from Edward Road Baptist Church in Balsall Heath, JERICHO began as a drop-in centre for people in their local area, which at the time was the red light district of Birmingham.
Over the years, we have operated 15 social enterprises to provide work opportunities and individualised support for people who face real and significant challenges in getting a job. These could include trauma, insufficient work experience, health & wellbeing needs, education barriers and communication challenges.
In total, we have helped over 8,500 people.
Photos - Mustard Yellow Photography