Not Just Enterprises

Not Just Enterprises started life as part of Riboleau House Day Centre in Ryde as one of the programmes to bring back a sense of purpose to those suffering mental health problems. It was recognised that a sheltered employment/training scheme was a vital part of client rehabilitation and also to enable a proportion of the client group to return to full-time employment. Accordingly it was necessary to separate it from Social Services, and to start to trade semi-commercially.

SRBVI funding was granted to allow this separation which included a move to dedicated premises in the centre of Ryde. Some capital money was given for renovations to a property in Ryde High Street and revenue funding continues to facilitate operational costs.

The key objectives of the project are:

• To provide people with the ability to perform or work at tasks that have an end product in a semi-commercial environment.
• To encourage and support those who may be able to re-enter open employment.
• To forge links and partnerships with the community and employers of Ryde and the Island.

Clients take part in a range of projects at Not Just Enterprises:

• Not Just Cakes A cake-making operation that sells approximately 100 cakes per week through specific retailers and caters for a wide range of events.
• Not Just Lawns A gardening service that clears and maintains private gardens.
• Work Experience Liz Earle by Mail take clients to work at their distribution centre in Ryde.
• Deliveries There is a minibus for the gardening clients and a refrigerated van for cakes.
• Administration The management of paperwork, as well as banking etc is done by clients.

The projects work by encouraging clients to take on as much work as they want without having pressure applied to take on too much too quickly. The end aim of Not Just Enterprises is to provide an avenue for clients to get jobs back in the community by building their confidence in a productive environment.