The Jewels in Lozells is a project that seeks to enable all participants to build their confidence, learn new skills and build friendships as they acquire vocational skills training. Funding for the project was initially provided by the People’s Health Trust for two years, which ended in early 2017. Due to it’s popularity, high demand and success, the project was re-started in 2018 and was funded for another 12 months by Awards For All (Part of the Big Lottery Fund).

Its main aim has been to deliver activities that empower participants from the Lozells community, to maximize their sense of well-being and help to build more cohesive community through activities and interactions that create positive relationships. Two key activities (free weekly sewing and cake decorating classes) were delivered. We also did activities with families during school holidays and a community art & craft exhibition.
After many interactive sessions, feedback has shown that the participants have made positive friendships regardless of faith and/or ethnicity, they have felt great satisfaction from the vocational/recreational skills they have acquired, and for some, it has helped to teach them to save.

Update: This project has now ended but, due to high demand, we are seeking new funding streams to continue. We welcome any suggestions and urge any organization who would like to fund us to get in touch.