The Big Computer Drive has so far been very successsful. We would like to thank all those who have donated and the shopping centres who generously offered us a space for collections. To know where we are next click here
Launched in 2009 as a workshop led social enterprise, Joining Hands has expanded by offering staff and volunteers the opportunity to create sustainable projects for the benefit of disadvantaged communities in Kent.
Joining Hands continues to run a wide range of workshops that include collaborating public and private organisations, supporting participants to develop a co-operative arrangement to sell goods made by them.
Joining Hands works on projects in and around Kent, particularly in the more rural and disadvantaged areas.
Our projects have, to date, received a 99% rate of attendance and an 85% success rate of project related employment. In addition, Joining Hands has a 90% success rate of supporting Joining Hands’ volunteers into employment or further education.
Communigrow is our East Malling Community allotment project, run in partnership with East Malling Research Trust. We work with schools, community groups, vulnerable people and local residents to provide safe space to a grow food and the opportunity for exercise, therapy and education.
In January 2012 we will be launching BUILD IT and Women for Change.
BUILD IT is a social enterprise that will provides young unemployed beneficiaries with vocational and accredited skills training in Computer building, maintenance and care.
Women for Change is a project dedicated to empowering vulnerable women by teaching them accredited skills they can turn into an income.
We offer a variety of accredited courses and qualifications such as Housing, and Health and Social Care as well as various sewing and crafts workshops.For more information, please see our Training section.
f you would like to get involved with one of our projects as a Community Group, School, Volunteer or Corporate Sponsor, get in touch!
"Nearly 13 million people live in poverty in the UK – that’s 1 in 5 of population.
3.8 million children in the UK are living in poverty. 2.2 million pensioners in the UK are living in poverty. 7.2 million working age adults in the UK are living in poverty. 70% of Bangladeshi children in the UK are poor.
Women are the majority in the poorest groups.
The UK has a higher proportion of its population living in relative poverty than most other EU countries: of the 27 EU countries, only 6 have a higher rate than the UK."
From www.oxfam.org.uk