Jennyruth Workshops is a charity and productive workshop, based in Ripon, North Yorkshire, where adults who have learning disabilities (also known as workers) gain confidence, independence, work and life skills. It is a vibrant and engaging workplace where workers from Ripon and surrounding areas are trained in a wide variety of skills including woodwork, painting and office work. We design and make a range of handcrafted gifts and products with a special focus on habitat homes. We are also proud of our bespoke products which are tailor made to our customers’ specifications. Alongside creating the wooden products we make sure the workers are involved in as much of the work of the business side of the charity as is possible. They help out at stalls where we sell our products, do talks to local schools and community groups, write articles for magazines and participate in interviews.
The charity was founded by the inspirational Barrie and Sue Evason who wanted to create a place where those who have learning disabilities could learn new skills and achieve job satisfaction. Barrie and his son Jonathan, who has Down Syndrome, began doing woodwork together in their garden shed and in 2004 Jennyruth Workshops was officially opened by the Countess of Wessex as a charity and social enterprise. We have continued Barrie and Sue’s legacy with the aim to create the opportunity for people who have learning disabilities to achieve long-term self-improvement and gain lasting benefits. These benefits will be achieved by providing meaningful, structured training, involvement, personal development and continued education.
Why we’re proud to partner with The Outdoor Guide
“At Jennyruth Workshops we love the great outdoors! From the fundraising walks our late founder Barrie and his son Jonathan went on, to the beautifully handcrafted habitat homes that we make to protect our local wildlife. We are very proud to be partnering with The Outdoor Guide who not only shine a bright light on all the amazing walks you can do around the country but also support those without the ability or opportunity to access the countryside.“
TOG Says …
