Charity celebrates 30th anniversary

Birmingham charity, JERICHO, marked their 30th anniversary with a celebration event at Fort Dunlop.

Speakers included JERICHO CEO Richard Beard, long-term supporters SCCT, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Team ITG and Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands.

Hosted by BBC WM's Nikki Tapper, it the day saw JERICHO's supporters, funders and partners celebrate together and see the impact of 30 years of changing lives.

JERICHO's 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 current beneficiaries as well as JERICHO's founder, Christine Parkinson.

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, JERICHO has operated 15 different 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.

Currently, JERICHO runs supported projects aimed at NEET young people, survivors of modern slavery and children at risk of school exclusion.

In total, JERICHO has helped change the lives of over 8,500 people.