A British supermarket chain is beating traffic congestion and reducing its carbon footprint by using a non-motorised, hand-drawn truck for deliveries of less than a mile.

Hand carts are thought to have been used first in Sumeria over 5,000 years ago, but Waitrose is using an up-to-date version to make deliveries that would normally be undertaken by a diesel-engined lorry.

Director at the Environmental Transport Association, an  organisation that campaigns for sustainable transport, Andrew Davis said: “In this case, ancient technology is a perfect solution to today’s problems of congested streets and polluted air.”

Southampton based social enterprise, Jamie’s Computers was one of 14 organisations in the region to receive a ministerial visit, when Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his Cabinet descended on Southampton on Monday 23rd February.  

The computer re-use and recycling project, Jamie’s Computers is a project of Southampton’s largest homelessness charity, The Society of St James.  Jamie’s welcomed Liam Byrne, Minister for the Cabinet Office to its operation in Northam as part of the ministerial visits which took place in the region.

Minister Liam Byrne said, “Jamie’s Computers is a great example of how social enterprises can
benefit the local community and the country as a whole.  It’s clear to
me that they give vulnerable people real opportunities to realise their
potential and get on in life, regardless of their circumstances.

“In this tough economic climate we need businesses like this that put
ethics first.  This way we can all build a fairer society and a
stronger country.”

The visit followed this month’s announcement of the Government’s Third
Sector Action Plan, which has been designed together with third sector
leaders over the last three months and builds on the wide range of
measures the Government has put in place to support people through the
economic downturn, and on the Government’s long term commitment to
voluntary organisations and social enterprises.

Della Cunio, Operations Director for Jamie’s said of the visit:

 “We were delighted to learn that the Minister would visit the project –
it was a great compliment to the work that we do and a proud moment for
all the staff and service users involved.  

“The importance of social enterprise in the provision of public service
and contribution to the economy is recognised by government and keenly
promoted.  We were pleased to be able to provide a positive case study
for the Minister.”  

For more information about Jamie’s Computers call 023 8063 2198 or visit www.jamies.org.uk.

Miki is a new website dedicated to providing sustainable and ethical clothing, jewellery, gifts and home accessories that are stylish and beautiful in design, feel and quality.

If you are like us then being surrounded by good design and gorgeous clothes makes you happy then visit our website www.miki.uk.com

As part of our United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) commitment to respect human rights, Article 13 supports the Poverty and Homeless Action Week (PHAW) 2009, which runs from the 31 January to 8 February 2009. This year, Article 13 contributed to PHAW through volunteering a member of staff to St Paul’s homeless drop-in shelter in Kensington, which ran between the hours of 12pm and 4pm on the 28th of January 2009.

The volunteer dealt with the diverse needs of over 70 clients. There
were about 18 volunteers to offer a range of services, which included a
wide range of activities, such as:

• Preparing/ serving tea, coffee and nutritious meals for the service users. 

• Cleaning the kitchen and general eating area.

• Offering a vital source of support for the staff and those who use St Paul’s shelter.

• Listening to, sharing stories and building relationships with
  customers that have a diversity of skills, experiences and emotions.

• Working with customers in the designated art and music areas.

• Making the atmosphere fun, informal, safe, comfortable and an inviting place for vulnerable homeless people to spend time.

• Supporting customers through being there for them.
  

Article 13 wanted to add value to their in-house participation goals,
build interest for volunteering amongst staff and help meet the needs
of the homeless and disadvantaged at the grassroots level. This
participative action will be a part of our yearly commitment to the
homeless.

Daniel Francis, research assistant for Article 13, said: “Participating
at St Paul’s homeless drop-in shelter was really rewarding, through
offering a valuable service to a wide variety of people and listening
to amazing heart filled real life stories. It was a really humbling
experience!”

For more information please contact Fiona Banyard on fionab@article13.com or call 020 8840 4450. Please also see Article 13’s website www.article13.com

Triodos Bank has launched a competition to capture a vision of social enterprise’s more progressive approach to business. And as well as the kudos of winning, there’s a cash prize up for grabs for the best photographer and the social enterprise pictured. The winning photographer receives a £1,000 prize. And the social enterprise featured in the photograph will also win a prize of £500 and a business support package worth £500. Entries from social enterprises themselves are encouraged.

The competition closes on 24 October 2008 when the judges will choose twelve finalists from all entries. The overall winner will be announced at a special event in November.

To find out more, including the rules and how to enter, visit the Triodos website.

Volunteer to help at the Homeless World Cup in Australia 

We are offering a 17 day trip from November 29 to December 15 that gets guests involved at the tournament and then explores some of Australia’s scenic highlights – Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef!

Background to the Homeless World Cup
The Homeless World Cup is an annual, international football tournament, uniting teams of homeless, excluded individuals in a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their country and change their lives. The event attracts around 25,000 people who take part in training and trials around the world, with the top 500 players from 48 nations competing at the Homeless World Cup.

The impact on participant’s lives is significant, with around three quarters of players changing their lives for the better by coming off drugs and alcohol, getting jobs, an education, homes, training or being reunited with their families. Some even go on to become players and coaches for pro or semi-pro football teams!

Volunteers are needed as:

• Online Match Reporters
• Match Photographers
• Photographer Assistants
• Media Assistants 
• Access Monitors
• Catering Assistants – Competition Venue
• Catering Assistants – Player Village
• Player Storage/Changing Rooms Monitor

The Trip
This meaningful 17 day trip not only gets you making a valuable contribution to the tournament, but you can then experience Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Daintree Rainforest!  

The price per person is £1,590 for 17 days in 3* accommodation throughout, excluding all flights. Click here for more information or to book.