Who We Help
We support people facing extreme challenges in getting a job.
Our current projects are primarily focused on supporting marginalised young people and survivors of modern slavery.
Young People
Birmingham has a stubbornly high youth unemployment rate with some areas of the city almost three times the UK average. If you have never had a job it is hard to get one especially when you couple this with other challenges such as health and wellbeing needs, education barriers and communication difficulties.
Our supported apprenticeship project is designed to help level the playing field and provide a 'stepping-stone' into mainstream employment.
Employed in one of our social enterprises, apprentices can expect a real job in a real business with a real wage plus a recognised qualification thanks to our partnership with Next Level Training.
Our JERICHO Workwise project provides year 10/11 pupils, who are at risk of educational and future social exclusion, with real work experience in one of our social enterprises. It is designed to smooth the transition between school and work, raise aspirations, build self-esteem and improve educational achievement to prevent what can be the life-long damaging consequences of educational exclusion.
Survivors of Modern Slavery
Modern Slavery is a widespread, greed driven crime, robbing dignity, freedom and hope. It is estimated that there are over 136,000 individuals who are currently in Modern Slavery in the UK and that the West Midlands has the highest number of potential victims, outside of London.
Escape, however, is only the beginning. “Some survivors are not able to access the healthcare, housing, employment, language classes or financial support which they need to re-build their lives and are drawn back into exploitative or abusive situations.” - The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner Strategic Plan 2019-2020.
Even after rescue, survivors may find themselves unemployed, may be housed in unsuitable accommodation or facing homelessness, may be navigating the asylum system or seeking immigration advice. They may lack English, be isolated, living in fear, unaware of how to navigate life in the UK including benefits and healthcare. Many are also coping with the long term effects of trauma and other health conditions.
Our Equiano Plus project is an employment-focused recovery project which provides long-term sustained support for Survivors of Modern Slavery.
Our Impact
2023-2024
227
4,920
people supported
days worked in our social enterprises
of people who undertook a work placement progressed into mainstream employment/ education or achieved another positive outcome.
of social value generated
84%
£2m
Some of our funding partners
K’s Story
K is a young Albanian woman whose experiences of exploitation and modern slavery had resulted in trauma, deprived her of further education opportunities and hope of achieving her dreams.
When she was referred to JERICHO she had no work experience, was alone in the UK, and isolated through trauma, fear and language. She was also struggling with significant mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, panic attacks and fear of confined spaces.
K began a volunteer placement within one of our social enterprises and received one to one English lessons, counselling and our wider wrap-around support. We saw her confidence grow and fears abate and, on receiving right to work, we were able to offer her her first paid employment in the UK. She began to thrive, engaging in our different activities and revealing a gift for working with others.
K shared a goal of working within early years and we were able to arrange a placement for her within a local nursery setting, and then employment as a cleaner within a local nursery. Staff quickly saw her passion and potential, offering her hours as a childcare assistant and beginning to explore an apprenticeship with her. On beginning her nursery placement K said ‘I felt ready to work. I felt good before starting work because I had everyone at JERICHO. I felt good emotionally and economically.’