Over 55's help in the communi-tea

Published by Elizabeth Pokorny for Rixonway Kitchens Limited in Communities and also in Housing

Volunteers from a local over 55’s group, Huddersfield based 'Not Just a Community Enterprise,' are helping to pack tea for social enterprise ‘Not Just a Trading Company.’ The group, which has 12 members aged between 55-91, package the tea, which is then sold to Rixonway Kitchens with profits going to help support tea producers in developing countries.

Rixonway Kitchens buys the tea and gives it away to tenants visiting their exhibitions as a means of support and a way of raising awareness of the ‘Not Just a Trading Company’ enterprise.

The over 55’s group is a perfect way for older members of the community to socialise and make new friends whilst helping support fair trade. The wide age range means younger members can help older members with transport and IT skills creating an inter-generation group.

Laura Smith, Business and Community Initiatives Manager of ‘Not Just a Trading Company,’ said: “Members from the over 55’s group enjoyed packaging the tea as it allowed them to do something different, whilst having a cup of tea and a good chat as they complete the work, and make an income too.”  

Paul Rose, Chief Executive of Rixonway Kitchens said: “We are always happy to support schemes which benefit all those involved in an ethical manner. We are dedicated to building links with local charities and organisations and hope our partnership with ‘Not Just a Trading Company’ will promote the benefits of the scheme to our customers.”

Rixonway Kitchens, one of the leading manufacturers of kitchens for affordable and social housing, chose to work with ‘Not Just a Trading Company’ as the two companies share similar ethical policies. Rixonway Kitchens is committed to playing a positive role in the communities in which it operates and has developed strong links with local charities and organisations.

The group was funded by Kirklees Community Partnerships, and set up under Lorna Young Foundation's Not Just a Community Enterprise programme, which provides opportunities for groups to run their own social enterprise based on the principles of ethical and fair trade whilst gaining experience, learning valuable business skills and earning an income.

The Huddersfield based ‘Not Just a Community Enterprise’ group has held two stalls selling products, both the ‘Not Just a’ range of products and their own hand made dishcloths and lavender bags.  They will have a stall in Holmfirth on March 9th with all the money they raise going back into the business.