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Handcrafted trainees working in a cafe

Opportunities

We’ve found that the most socially excluded people within society are often barred from that chance to move out of their situation, despite the will to do so.

As part of our mission of empowering people, we recognise that for many, simply being given the chance to prove themselves enables individuals to look forward with hope.

As such we are committed to offering opportunities for our trainees to progress. This varies across our hubs and includes placements in our social enterprises including:

  • Gateshead Community cafe & kitchen - The Shakey
  • Chester-le-Street based B2B clothing printing and online shop
  • Annual Christmas craft fairs across all our hubs

This, coupled with our embedded, Matrix-accredited information, advice & guidance, means that we are able to support our trainees as they seek to move forward.

You can make a referral here or make an business enquiry by emailing enterprise@handcrafted.org.uk.

Image depicting someone helping another person up a mountain

Testimonials

Changing Lives have been working in partnership with Handcrafted for some time, and have seen the improvements that they have made to the service since they first began. We see Handcrafted as a valuable partner, providing effective support to our residents, most of whom are socially excluded and have been given up on by other services.

Handcrafted provides a safe environment for residents, so that they can explore new skills, gain confidence and improve self-esteem. This has been demonstrated on a number of occasions, when residents have been given the support specific to their needs, staff have shown patience and understanding in dealing with individuals who can be very challenging.

We work very closely with Handcrafted and have formed a unique working partnership together, we have seen a massive difference in the confidence that our residents have when they have engaged in this service, and that is due to the staff at Handcrafted going the extra mile, to make a difference to our residents, showing empathy and understanding and without judgement.

Long may this continue…

Margaret M, Service Lead, Changing Lives