A SOLIHULL charity which has transformed lives and tackled unemployment by helping hundreds of people find jobs has been praised by the West Midlands Mayor.
Richard Parker visited the Colebridge Trust in Fordbridge to see first hand how it helps those who face challenges in the job market.
Over the past year, the Trust has helped 500 people living in North Solihull and East Birmingham gain the confidence and skills they need to secure jobs and training opportunities.
The Trust has also directly employed over 45 people from the local area, some who have faced challenges in the job market, including those with learning disabilities, lone parents, people over 50, and with long-term health conditions.
Some of these jobs are at a light assembly and packing social enterprise that the Trust runs in Chelmsley Wood.
Since its launch in 2012, Colebridge Enterprises has provided over 500 paid jobs and work experience placements, through major partnerships with local companies, including global electrical components manufacturer Wago in Rugby, Warwickshire.
Colebridge Trust has also provided youth mentoring, maths and digital training with funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
Chet Parmar, Colebridge Trust chief executive, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Mayor and an excellent opportunity for him to see Colebridge Enterprises – he did a great job of asking our diverse team about their individual and shared experiences.
“The WMCA is a key partner for community anchor organisations such as us, who work from within communities to tackle inequalities. Over the years we have secured many job, training, and inclusion outcomes.
“Our latest collaboration is Digital Divide to help local residents to connect and make better use of technology. We want our local people to thrive and succeed.”
Colebridge Trust is one of almost 200 social economy organisations that are getting direct funding and business growth support from the WMCA as part of the Mayor’s manifesto commitment to help small local charities, social entrepreneurs and voluntary groups.
The Mayor said: “Colebridge Trust is changing lives – helping local people learn, earn and reach their full potential, no matter what.
“Social enterprises, small charities, and community-led groups in all corners of the West Midlands are working tirelessly to make a difference for everyone, especially the most vulnerable, in our region.
“That’s why I am helping them access funding and support to continue driving real change where it matters most. My mission is simple: to open doors so everyone has the chance of a brighter future.”
Find out more about the support available to help grow the social economy on the WMCA website.
