The J.T. Project
The JT Project is based at the John Davis Workshops in Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire. It gives adults with learning difficulties training and experience in work-type activities.
John and Ian in the workshop
The JT Project is named in memory of Jon Topham, who was Chair of the Enable Group until he passed away in 2007.
Jon was very active in the housing movement in the East Midlands, and believed passionately in the need to improve housing for vulnerable people. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of innovative day services like the JT Project.
Activities at the JT Project include
- stores and warehouse activities (goods in and goods out)
- woodworking
- garden maintenance
- talking to the public
- building maintenance
- collecting equipment for storage
- delivery service
- vehicle checks
- learning health and safety
- attending training courses.
Home Delivery Service
At The JT Project we keep a large supply of disposable items (eg cleaning supplies) for Enable properties. Each week staff order what they need from us and we arrange delivery. Service users help to pack the goods ordered, plan the delivery routes, load the vehicles and make the deliveries. This activity is very popular with service users as it helps them meet other people in and outside of The Enable Group.
Workshop
There is a fully equipped workshop where service users help to make fence panels, planters, bird boxes, feeders and other things that people ask for.
Phillip recycles garden waste
Garden Service
The JT Project maintains gardens for some of the Enable buildings, as well as for some external customers. Service users work alongside trained gardeners on three big projects in Chesterfield and Mansfield, and help with all aspects of gardening and equipment maintenance.
Occasions Catering
Occasions is a catering service that prepares and delivers buffet meals. Service users help with
- buying food for the buffets
- making sandwiches and drinks
- delivering the buffets to customers.
Kate sets out a buffet
While doing this, they learn about health and safety in a catering environment and complete a Basic Food Hygiene course.
General maintenance
At the JT Project we are also asked by Property Services to do general maintenance jobs on Enable buildings.
Vehicle maintenance
The JT Project makes monthly maintenance checks on the cars and vans that Enable uses and on vehicles brought in by external customers.
Service users help check the oil, water, tyres, lights and horn, as well as washing, polishing and vacuuming the vehicles. These activities involve talking with people, handling money and learning about health and safety.
Environmental activities
Service users can also help our archivist to recycle paper and other unwanted material. Waste paper is donated to the RSPCA for bedding. Other recycled items go to the local recycling centre.
For more information about the Project please contact the JT Project Manager on 01623 552564 or
email days@Enable-Group.org.uk (please put JT project in the subject line).
Outreach projects are also accessible through The JT Project. Strawberry Fayre is a cafe is based at Kings Mill Reservoir in Sutton in Ashfield. Here, service users help with
- preparing homemade cakes and scones
- cleaning
- washing, drying and ironing uniforms
- serving customers.
They also complete a Basic Food Hygiene course.
This service is provided by Nottinghamshire County Council in association with Enable Housing Association.
David and Phillip valet a van
