A group of Handcrafted trainees having a discussion in a cafe

Our Trainees

Handcrafted aims to empower those who have been disadvantaged or faced social exclusion due to crime, alcohol or substance abuse, poor mental or physical health, unemployment, or having experienced abuse or been in the care system.

We work with individuals to help them make positive steps to turn their lives around, be part of a community and start to give back. We welcome everyone into our community, regardless of background, and help them see the value they bring.

Individuals that engage with us and use our services are referred to as trainees, as opposed to beneficiaries or service users. This is part of our approach of encouraging self-worth and empowerment.

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