Our community enterprises have two key functions

To provide inclusive, caring projects for people of all backgrounds
To generate funds to support our work

Projects range from 5 charity shops and a recycling centre to a supported volunteer programme for people with mental, social, learning and physical difficulties.

Our enterprise projects are designed to engage and value people of all abilities. Every individual has something to give and we are passionate about creating opportunities for all.

‘Coming to The Trussell Trust’s charity shop saved my life’ Lucie, Salisbury

Through community enterprises we

Help people to get back to work
Help prevent mental breakdown, suicide and self-harm
Provide skills training through workshops and volunteering
Build community and break down boundaries between differing social groups
Provide affordable goods and recycling services to local communities

Taking time to care

Lucie, above, came to our Restore charity shop in Salisbury severely depressed and ready to end it all. After sitting with our shop manager and talking things through Lucie rang the next day to say that the conversation had saved her life.

Many people who volunteer in or visit our community enterprises feel excluded, depressed and have very low self-esteem. We have seen many lives turned around simply by listening to people and showing that we care. That’s why we make taking the time to care for and value individuals a priority in all our community enterprises.

Raising funds

Community enterprises are committed to finding new, innovative ways to financially support The Trussell Trust whilst benefitting the local community. Our enterprise projects currently cover 80% of The Trussell Trust’s core costs. We aim to cover all our core costs through community enterprises by 2012.