Shoosmiths Foundation donates £49,690 to JERICHO
Law firm Shoosmiths have donated £49,690 to support JERICHO Jump Start which aims to underpin and extend our work.
Law firm Shoosmiths have donated £49,690 from their Shoosmiths Foundation to support JERICHO Jump Start which aims to underpin and extend our work with school pupils at risk of exclusion, young people not in education, and people with lived experience of trauma, abuse, modern slavery, health and wellbeing issues, the care system or criminal justice system, addiction or homelessness.
JERICHO Jump Start will see 75% of the 40 people engaged in the project enter sustainable employment, with the remaining 25% achieving their most appropriate positive destination.
Katie Webb, deputy CEO at JERICHO, said: “We are hugely grateful to Shoosmiths for being willing to help us further develop our work with people who face real and significant challenges in accessing the job market. We will use the funding from the Shoosmiths Foundation to provide additional, social mobility-focused support on top of the work and training opportunities we currently provide for 12 months and this extra support will help our beneficiaries achieve longer-term work and life goals and so ultimately have the very best chance of a fulfilled, happy life.
“Birmingham has long had an issue with high unemployment and holds the unwelcome top-spot amongst core cities in England for both youth and adult unemployment, even in the midst of a buoyant job market. JERICHO Jump Start, in partnership with the Shoosmiths Foundation, will ensure that local people with complex barriers are in the best position possible to take advantage of the mainstream job opportunities that exist locally and that they are also able to create a pathway to longer-term fulfillment in work and life. We are very excited at the prospect of developing a partnership with Shoosmiths and look forward to jointly delivering our social mobility goals.”
Nicola Ellen, head of corporate responsibility and chair of the Shoosmiths Foundation Grants Committee, added: “We are delighted to be able to provide support for JERICHO and the incredible work they do for people seeking employment, particularly as their cause aligns perfectly with the firm’s own social mobility aims. Whilst the project is focused on the Birmingham area, as a multi-location firm we will be looking for additional in-kind virtual opportunities whereby colleagues can become involved no matter where they are based.”
Further information about the Shoosmiths Foundation can be found here.
The ReUsers Children’s Room
The ReUsers has opened a new permanent Children’s Room full of toys and games.
Opening on the same day as the ReUsers Christmas pop up shop is the new permanent Children’s Room.
Full of toys and games it is the perfect place to get items to keep your children entertained this half term.
About The ReUsers
The ReUsers is a large charity shop near Birmingham that rescues, restores and recycles second hand items.
Their ethos is that “second hand can be first choice” and they prevent around 250 tonnes of waste entering landfill every year by providing high quality used goods at cost effective prices.
ReUsers Christmas Shop Open
The ReUsers has opened it’s Christmas Pop Up Shop full of trees, decorations, games, lights, ornaments, gift sets and much more.
The ReUsers annual pop up Christmas shop opened earlier today. The tinsel was cut at 10am by The ReUsers very own Mrs Claus, Gina, the mastermind behind the shop each year.
It is full of trees, decorations, games, lights, ornaments, gift sets and much more.
About The ReUsers
The ReUsers is a large charity shop near Birmingham that rescues, restores and recycles second hand items.
Their ethos is that “second hand can be first choice” and they prevent around 250 tonnes of waste entering landfill every year by providing high quality used goods at cost effective prices.
The ReUsers Opens Pop Up Halloween Shop
Our ReUsers social enterprise has opened their pop up Halloween shop full of costumes, props and other spooky items.
Our ReUsers social enterprise has opened their pop up Halloween shop full of costumes, props and other spooky items. For the next two months, and while stock lasts, it will form one of departments in the ReUsers Sutton Coldfield store.
The 15,198. sq. foot site already has areas including antiques, bikes, electricals, furniture, garden, clothes and sports making it the perfect place to find hidden treasures that others don’t want but are too good to throw away. In addition, each year they open pop up shops such as the highly anticipated Christmas shop full of pre-loved trees, decorations, wreaths, ornaments, clothes, CDs, books and much more.
About The ReUsers
The ReUsers is a large charity shop near Birmingham that rescues, restores and recycles second hand items.
Their ethos is that “second hand can be first choice” and they prevent around 250 tonnes of waste entering landfill every year by providing high quality used goods at cost effective prices.
Apprenticeship Open Day
We are holding an apprenticeship open day on Wed 31st August from 11am to 3pm at our ReUsers & Wood Shack social enterprises in Sutton Coldfield.
We are holding an apprenticeship open day on Wed 31st August from 11am to 3pm at our ReUsers & Wood Shack social enterprises in Sutton Coldfield.
If you are thinking about an apprenticeship, or are unsure what to do next, and you live in Sutton Coldfield, join us to have a tour of the site, meet the team, ask questions and complete an application form. No appointment is necessary - just turn up!
JERICHO Apprenticeship Checklist
Equiano Wellbeing & Social Activities
We have built lots of activities into our Equiano project, from day trips and social activities to creative arts therapy and wellbeing.
JERICHO exists to help people towards fulfilment in life and work. Our work opportunities are an important part of that journey but fulfilment in life means so much more. Those participating in our Equiano project have been victims of exploitation, they are often fearful of others, may have limited experience of life in the UK, are often isolated and overcoming trauma, and may simply be adjusting to the freedom of being able to make their own choices.
We have built lots of activities into our Equiano project, from day trips and social activities to creative arts therapy and wellbeing. This offers opportunity for participants to form friendships in a safe space, to have new experiences, grow in confidence and begin to focus on themselves.
We try to involve our clients in planning activities, including a recent trip to the beach at Barry Island! Many had never been to the seaside in England, and one of the women had never even seen hills here.
“My stress felt heavy but today that is lifted and I feel free, this is so so good”
“(The activity) relax my mind and I feel more confident”
The Wood Shack Gets Creative for the Commonwealth Games
The Wood Shack has been busy building for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Welcome to Smithfield
As Birmingham 2022 spectators enter Smithfield, to watch the 3x3 basketball or beach volleyball this week, they will walk past some cladded pillars.
These wooden panels have been created by our Wood Shack social enterprise from the reclaimed timber they collect from construction and manufacturing sites who have no more use for them. In total, 2,500 metres of pallet wood and nearly 8,000 screws were used to make and fit the panels together!
It was a brilliant project to work on and involved all the team, including apprentices, survivors of modern slavery, managers and even the drivers coming together to cut down the and make the panels.
Re-Cycling
Our Wood Shack Assistant Manager Mick has also been busy designing and building chairs for the cycling time trial that is taking place in West Park, Wolverhampton on 4th August. During the event, the chairs will be occupied by the cyclists sitting in the gold, silver and bronze medal positions.
They are built from reclaimed wood, with the back rests made from oak flooring, parquet flooring, ply, pine floorboard, buffalo board and even a piece from a bed!
A big thanks to Lynne and her group from the Up Collective for upholstering the cushions.
About The Wood Shack
The Wood Shack collects waste wood to prevent it going to landfill and sells it in their Timber Yard in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham.
As a JERICHO social enterprise, they help 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.
JERICHO’s Baton Bearers
Three of our beneficiaries took part in the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay. Take a look at their stories…
The 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay started in London on 7th October 2021 and it travelled across the Commonwealth visiting 72 nations and territories on a route spanning 2,500 miles.
The final week saw the baton in the West Midlands, and thanks to nominations from GL Events, three of our beneficiaries were lucky enough to be part of it.
Meet our Baton Bearers:
Anthony Hibbard
ReUsers Apprentice
“I think carrying the Queen’s Baton made me feel really proud as I was able to represent the autism Commonwealth community and the disabled community. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be involved.”
Eathan Robinson
Miracle Laundry Apprentice
“When I heard about being a Batonbearer I was happy as I do have a connection with sport, and I’m always up for trying things. I think the Queen’s Baton Relay has been an interesting opportunity and of course, an enjoyable experience!”
Touran Saheghi
ChangeKitchen Volunteer
“I am proud to be involved as a Batonbearer in the Queen’s Baton Relay. It is an event to bring people together when that hasn’t been possible for such a long time due to the pandemic. I am honoured to have carried the Queen’s Baton and this is something that I will remember for a very long time!”
The ReUsers Opens a New Department
Our ReUsers social enterprise has opened a new sports and leisure department, home to a wide range of gym equipment, camping and fishing stock and our renovated bikes.
Our ReUsers social enterprise has opened a new sports & leisure department, home to a wide range of gym equipment, camping and fishing stock and our renovated bikes all of which have been serviced by onsite cytech bike mechanic, Billy.
The new department is located in the main unit to the left of the car park and alongside our clothing department, that opened in 2020, completes the upstairs of the building.
The ReUsers, one of JERICHO’s seven social enterprises, is a large charity shop in Sutton Coldfield that rescues, restores and recycles second hand items. It prevents around 250 tonnes of waste entering landfill every year by providing high quality used goods at cost effective prices.
Thank You to Our Funders
Over the last few weeks we have been delighted to receive some funding.
Over the last few weeks we have been delighted to receive the following grants:
£5,000 from The Rowlands Trust towards PPE / workwear / course materials for our beneficiaries
£2,000 from The Michael Marsh Charitable Trust towards the support costs of our Apprenticeship project
£2,000 from The George Henry Collins Charity towards our work with Survivors of Modern Slavery
A massive thank you for your support.
JERICHO’s Carbon Reduction Plan
This month, some of our senior managers attended a workshop led by Phil Beardmore from Energy Confidence to kick off a 2 year project to review, develop and implement JERICHO’s new carbon reduction plan
This month, some of our senior managers attended a workshop led by Phil Beardmore from Energy Confidence to kick off a 2 year project to review, develop and implement JERICHO’s new carbon reduction plan.
We looked at existing scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, as well defining success factors and potential barriers to change.
We also enjoyed a very tasty vegetarian lunch made entirely from surplus food by ChangeKitchen.
Key an eye out for more updates on our carbon reduction plan.
Phil Beardmore from Energy Confidence
Happy Christmas from JERICHO
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at JERICHO
In a year of challenge and uncertainty we have been extremely grateful for the commitment our supporters have shown us, from customers in our social enterprises to funders of our social projects and everyone in between.
Our dedicated staff and supporters have helped us thrive in an unprecedented period and we feel as confident as possible that this will continue into whatever 2022 brings our way.
Christmas Opening Hours
Head Office
Closes on Fri 24th Dec and re-opens on Tue 4th Jan
Miracle Laundry
Thu 23rd: 9am-5pm
Fri 24th - Tue 28th: Closed
Wed 29th: 9am-4pm
Thu 30th: 9am-4pm
Fri 31st - Mon 3rd: Closed
Tue 4th: 8:30am-5pm
The ReUsers
Closes at 2pm on Thu 23rd Dec and re-opens at 10am on Mon 3rd Jan.
The Wood Shack
Closes at 2pm on Thu 23rd Dec and re-opens at 9am on Tue 4th Jan
Have you met Tina?
Tina Williams joined our Cleaning Social Enterprise as Operations Manager earlier this year.
Tina has worked in the cleaning industry for many years, starting as a cleaner and working up to become a supervisor and then a site manager.
She has trained as a cleaning and customer service assessor and an internal verifier working alongside some prestigious clients.
After a spell as a deputy manager in a residential home, Tina has returned to cleaning with JERICHO.
The ReUsers
This year we made a number of changes to our ReUsers site including opening a designated clothing space upstairs in the main unit.
From the end of Jan 2022, we aim to open The ReUsers until 4.30pm EVERYDAY including Sundays.
Follow our Facebook page for updates.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at JERICHO
Apprenticeship Open Days
We are holding a number of open days in October for young people to find out what it’s like to do an apprenticeship in a JERICHO social enterprise.
We are holding a number of open days in October for young people to find out what it’s like to do an apprenticeship in a JERICHO social enterprise.
If you’re aged 16-24 and live in Sutton Coldfield, join us at The ReUsers on any of the below dates to have a tour of the site, meet the team, ask questions and complete an application form. No appointment necessary - just turn up!
Wed 6th Oct - 12.30 - 2.30pm
Tue 12th Oct - 11am - 1pm
Thu 21st Oct - 11am - 1pm
Fri 29th Oct - 12.30 - 2.30pm
The ReUsers launches ‘Item of the Week’
JERICHO’s ReUsers social enterprise has launched ‘Item of the Week’ to showcase some of the amazing donated items that are available to buy in store.
JERICHO’s ReUsers social enterprise has launched ‘Item of the Week’ to showcase some of the amazing donated items that are available to buy in store.
The first item of the week is this pair of chairs available for £95 each.
Visit in store (Mon-Sat, 9-4) to see these, the vintage oars also pictured, and much more. The item of the week is only available in person and when it’s gone, it’s gone!
Buying from our social enterprises helps create jobs, work experience places and training opportunities for people who need them most through our social projects. The more people shop with us the more good we can all do in people’s lives. Together we have directly supported over 8,000 people to become fulfilled, skilled and employed.
Apprenticeship Vacancies
The ReUsers are recruiting 16-24 year olds who live in Sutton Coldfield to start a supported apprenticeship in September.
Make a Planter with the Wood Shack
On 20th April, our Wood Shack social enterprise is hosting an online make-a-long session where you will learn how to build your very own planter.
On 20th April, our Wood Shack social enterprise is hosting an online make-a-long session where you will learn how to build your very own planter.
It will be a fun, interactive event for you and your family with no previous experience necessary. All you need is a screwdriver and a hammer as once you have booked, you will receive your making kit of:
Reclaimed pallet wood (pre-cut to size)
Screws
Sandpaper
Places are limited so book your place now to avoid disappointment:
The event is one of many being held as part of ISE’s Social Enterprise Drive 2021, a week long celebration of Birmingham’s Social Enterprises.
Share Some Valentine’s Love this Lockdown
Treat someone you love to a delicious Valentine’s meal and donate a nutritious family meal for 4 to the community.
Treat someone you love to a delicious Valentine’s meal and donate a nutritious family meal for 4 to the community.
ChangeKitchen CIC is delighted to announce a new Click+Collect supper club, starting 14th February with our Valentine’s soul food menu that ‘shares some love’ by also reducing food poverty in Birmingham communities.
With so many people wanting to connect in new ways while in lockdown, it’s more important than ever to show those we love just how much they mean to us… whether it’s a loved one, family or friends.
Our gorgeous 3 course pan-African Valentine’s meal (that happens to be vegan to include everyone AND share the love with our planet!) is one way to celebrate those who are special in your life so set the table, light the candles and let ChangeKitchen CIC provide that romantic restaurant quality meal to share!
Or consider someone close to you that deserves a treat for everything they do for you, their friends or community; maybe a relative who is a keyworker or a neighbour who has helped you over the last year?
With every meal, we will ‘share some love’ across our community where others may be struggling with the challenge of putting food on the family table. Your Valentine’s meal will also give a family of 4 a healthy meal to let them know ‘we’re all in this together’.
ORDERING IS SIMPLE //
Click on the 'share some love' link here.
Let us know the number of meals you want (per person) & make your payment using the PayPal or Card option (PayPal is preferred).
Collect at a time to suit you on Sunday 14th February 2021 between 5pm and 7pm.
Pick up from our Jericho Kitchen at 196-198 Edward Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 9LX - heat at home, light the candles & enjoy!!
From our team to you... Share some love this Valentine’s ♥️
Find out more about ChangeKitchen’s new click+collect supper club, 'The Social Supper Club, where each restaurant quality meal box purchased helps reduce food poverty in Birmingham communities here.
ChangeKitchen CIC supports and follows Covid safe practices for our food, our team and our customers, please help us to keep everyone in our community safe… thank you.
Award-winning catering Social Enterprise, ChangeKitchen CIC has a long-standing joint venture partnership with JERICHO.
JERICHO Lockdown 3.0 Update
Following the news of another national lockdown last week, we have made a number of changes to how JERICHO operates.
Following the news of another national lockdown last week, we have made a number of changes to how JERICHO operates.
We remain committed to maintaining as many of our Social Enterprise services as possible whilst also strictly following government guidance to keep our staff, beneficiaries and customers safe.
JERICHO Social Enterprises
Change Kitchen continues to provide free healthy meals to those who need them but also remain available for post lockdown bookings as usual
Jericho Cleaning continues to offer deep and daily cleans. All cleaners are using proper PPE and following government working guidelines. Jericho Cleaning are infection control specialists offering a full fogging system, proven to kill Covid-19.
Contact us for a quote to help your business operate safely and ensure it is cleaned to Public Health England and NHS protocols.
Jericho Construction continues to operate as usual ensuring all government health and safety guidance is followed.
The Miracle Laundry in Kings Heath is still open albeit with revised opening hours. Take a look at their website for full details… miraclelaundry.co.uk
The ReUsers is classed as non-essential so is now closed to the public for the duration of the lockdown. We are working hard to make our more unusual second-hand items available via eBay.
We will also be updating our retail space with some exciting new goods and services for when we reopen - keep an eye on our Facebook page for more news.
The Wood Shack site is closed to the public but we are still continuing with our wood collections as normal.
Our Head Office and Jericho Workspace are closed to the public.
You can continue to contact us by phone on the numbers below:
ChangeKitchen CIC (Birgit): 07828 825 850
Jericho Cleaning (Nigel): 07814 977 493
Jericho Construction (Andy): 07794 553 703
Miracle Laundry: 0121 441 5431
The ReUsers: please message via Facebook
The Wood Shack: 0121 327 6102
General/other enquiries: 0121 647 1960
Apprenticeship Recruitment
We are still actively recruiting young people for our apprenticeship social project with start dates likely to be when the national lockdown is lifted. The vacancies are in our ReUsers social enterprise and to be eligible you must live within the Sutton Coldfield ward boundary.
JERICHO supported apprenticeships are available for people who are facing barriers to employment and who need a helping hand to enter the workforce.
Employed in one of our social enterprises, apprentices can expect a real job in a real business plus a recognised qualification thanks to our partnerships with Gordon Franks Training and South & City College. In addition, a JERICHO supported apprenticeship offers a wrap-around programme of personal development, mentoring, training and specialist support.
An apprenticeship at JERICHO lasts for 15 months and is designed to be a stepping-stone into sustainable employment.
For more information, please complete this form or email hr@jericho.org.uk
Keep safe and well and thanks for your ongoing support.
2020 // A Year in Review
What a strange year! I think it’s fair to say that few people would have predicted the events of 2020.
Despite the unexpected challenges, there were plenty of positives to celebrate at JERICHO this year!
What a strange year! I think it’s fair to say that few people would have predicted the events of 2020.
Despite the unexpected challenges, there were plenty of positives to celebrate at JERICHO this year!
A New Look JERICHO
In September we launched our exciting new branding bringing our social enterprises and projects into the ‘Jericho family’ making it clear what we represent, who we help and how we do it.
If you missed our branding update you can read it here
Award Winners
Also in September, we were thrilled to receive the Centre for Social Justice’s Work and Welfare Award. The award recognises the positive impact we have on people’s lives and our burgeoning relationship with CSJ will give us the platform to ensure the issues that affect people with barriers to employment and social inclusion are heard and represented at the highest level.
Watch Bear Grylls announce our award win and the story of a Survivor of Modern Slavery that we have supported:
Apprentice Completers
Despite all the additional barriers facing them this year, we were incredibly proud to see six apprentices complete their time with us. We look forward to supporting you in the next stage of your work journey and hearing of your future adventures.
A special congratulations to Will from our Wood Shack social enterprise who achieved his apprenticeship with a distinction.
Thanks also to our partner colleges and training providers, South and City College and Gordon Franks Training for your support and dedication in helping our apprentices achieve. We look forward to having many more successes together in 2021.
You can find out more about our supported apprenticeship project here.
Job Vacancy
We are currently recruiting someone to provide guidance and support to the Survivors of Modern Slavery on our Equiano Plus Social Project.
You can see the full job advert here.
Sign up to our newsletter here to keep in touch with all that happens at JERICHO and our social enterprises in 2021.
Whatever your plans for the Christmas break, take care and stay safe.
A JERICHO Christmas
2020 has been one of the hardest years in memory and for some of our beneficiaries it has been particularly tough. We have witnessed struggles with isolation, loneliness, financial difficulties, mental health issues and other pre-existing vulnerabilities without the routine of the workplace.
2020 has been one of the hardest years in memory and for some of our beneficiaries it has been particularly tough. We have witnessed struggles with isolation, loneliness, financial difficulties, mental health issues and other pre-existing vulnerabilities without the routine of the workplace.
We have been able to provide crisis support, including access to foodbanks, housing advice and short-term counselling, but with your help we would like to do more. As we navigate the next phase of the pandemic, we want to be able to provide additional support and respond to the longer term impact on our beneficiaries.
To help support our beneficiaries through this tough time text 2020CHRISTMAS to 70085 to donate £10. Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message.
Shop Christmas
We are excited to again be running Christmas shops in both our ReUsers and Wood Shack social enterprises.
The ReUsers in December is a great place to pick up all your pre-loved Christmas goodies alongside usual favourites including bikes, furniture, electricals and much more. We really enjoy displaying Christmas items and they usually sell out fast.
At the Wood Shack we have lots of items created from reclaimed wood, by our amazing staff and volunteers, including Christmas trees made from pallets.
You can find both the ReUsers and the Wood Shack next to the Household Recycling Centre in Sutton Coldfield, B75 7BB.
Christmas Opening Hours
Our Christmas hours are:
Head Office / Cleaning / Construction / Workspace
25th Dec – 3rd Jan Closed
Miracle Laundry
24th – 28th Dec Closed
29th – 30th Dec 9am – 4pm
31st Dec – 3rd Jan Closed
The ReUsers
24th Dec – 1st Jan Closed
The Wood Shack
20th Dec – 3rd Jan Closed
Whatever your plans for the Christmas break, take care and stay safe.
What has COVID taught us about the relationship with our homes?
With two national lockdowns in eight months and a myriad of social restrictions, this year we have spent an unprecedented amount of time in our homes.
With two national lockdowns in eight months and a myriad of social restrictions, this year we have spent an unprecedented amount of time in our homes.
So what have we learned? Well, according to one survey ‘We discovered that our home really is our castle and we should continue to enhance our homes and prioritise the improvements that will make the most impact on our lives, all year round. Anything that improves our mood, wellbeing and the way we interact as a family should be top of the agenda.’
Another says ‘More than a third felt the need to make home improvements due to spending more time than ever in their abode this year, with 59 percent wanting their home to be as “snug” as possible this winter. It also emerged that of those upgrading their homes in 2020, half did so in order to make it more cosy, inviting, or comfortable.’
On average we have spent almost twice as much time (now 8hrs 21mins) and almost twice as much money (now £181 per month) as usual in making our homes our happy place.
Have you had a clear-out and been left with items that are too good to throw away? Find out how you can donate them to our ReUsers social enterprise here
Are you interested in what people have donated? Take a look at our ReUsers eBay page