A new online shop based selling handmade, feel-good gifts is helping vulnerable young people to enjoy an independent lifestyle.
Set up by Greater Manchester charity Pure Innovations, the internet store named ‘ByPureInnovations’ offers a range of products made with the help of disadvantaged and disabled young people. The aim of the shop is to give these young people an opportunity to learn new skills in a creative retail settling, whilst feeling like an integral part of the community.
The virtual shop, which will open for business on May 17th stocks a variety of gifts including multicoloured mugs and tote bags as well as t-shirts, personalised picture clocks and baby box frames. It will be followed by the opening of a physical store in Stockport in June which will be called The Vernon Gallery Shop ByPureInnovations.
Pure Innovations CEO Louise Parrott-Bates said, “It’s so important that young people with challenges such as a disability or learning difficulties get the chance to feel valued and included. Having a creative outlet with no pressure is vital. Our service users who create goods can learn any skills they want and create any items they want – while learning important life skills and feeling like they are part of a lively and vibrant group.”
The team are supervised by experts from the creative industries – with a view to helping them gain skills that they want and improve their employability. Any profits will be ploughed back into the store in order to buy tools and other equipment that the service users want. If a member of the team wants to learn glass-etching, equipment will be purchased with the profits.
Founded in 2005 and based in Stockport, Pure Innovations is a charity that provides support to people across Greater Manchester with disabilities and disadvantaged groups through a whole host of services: from employment support to education, training and many other wrap around services.
Emma Williams who will run this new shop added, “Due to the pandemic, many young people are finding it a challenge to get a job. But it’s especially hard for those who are challenged by learning difficulties or disabilities. Our hope is that those who come to spend time in our creative studios and therefore, go on to create products for ByPureInnovations will enjoy a huge boost to their wellbeing and be in a position to find a job in the future. We welcome all who could benefit from working with us. But hope we will be particularly attractive to those just starting out and struggling in the current climate.”
Search ‘ByPureInnovations’ on Etsy to find the shop!
