At Ginsters, we also support Plymouth-based charity Shekinah Mission. The agency works with individuals from a variety of backgrounds – those that are homeless, socially excluded, victims of substance misuse or ex-offenders.

Shekinah Mission offers both physical and emotional support to these disadvantaged people. As well as supplying food, clothing, washing facilities and temporary beds, they provide an outreach service, recreational activities, and accredited training schemes for those keen to improve their lives.

Since its inception in 1992, the charity has radically evolved, developing itself into a variety of different projects. Shekinah Mission now manages a drop-in centre, a temporary rough sleepers hostel, a training initiative, a social enterprise, a supported employability program, a charity shop, and an organic fruit and vegetable farm, to name a few!

At Ginsters, we’ve been working alongside Shekinah Mission for around six years, offering our support in a number of different areas. As well as providing sponsorship and donations at various times throughout the year, we are heavily involved in their work programs. We offer ‘ready for work’ placements to many of the people the charity help. These generally last for two weeks and take place in all areas of our business, from administration to the bakery! Some placements have resulted in permanent employment positions being offered, which has been of benefit both to us and Shekinah Mission!

At Ginsters, we are proud to be part of the equality and diversity that Shekinah Mission promotes. We will continue to offer our help wherever possible and hope that others will see how lending a hand can completely change a person’s life.