Case study

Jamie's Computers was a Winner in the Spark 08 programme. Jamie's is a very special story as the social enterprise project was driven by a homeless person. Read more about their social enterprise's story. 

Jamie's Computers

Homelessness charity, The Society of St James, has been providing food, shelter and support to homeless people in Southampton since 1972.

In 2003, senior housing manager, Della Cunio became aware that many of the residents were struggling with low self esteem and confidence and were becoming isolated. To combat this, she decided to start a 'work project' where residents could learn and train, and in doing so begin to build confidence and break isolation.  

Residents of the organisation were consulted on the idea. One resident in particular, Brian Simpson, was already known to staff as a keen computer hobbyist. The consultation showed that a computer project would be welcomed and Brian was invited to help get the ball rolling. Subsequently Jamie's Computers was born.

Initially the project was reliant on funding and the focus was very much on learning and training. The project took a few donated PCs and a workshop was started for clients to learn how to refurbish the computers, which they then used to word process and play games. But soon the staff realised there was a bigger business potential, Jamie's could grow its refurbishment operation into a commercial enterprise that would not only provide a host of work-based-training opportunities, but also generate income to run the project. Jamie's has become a fully functioning computer disposal business that provides solutions to more than 400 businesses disposing of IT and to more than 4,000 homes. Many individuals have purchased low cost PCs refurbished by Jamie's. Jamie's also works in partnership with Computer Aid International to provide computers for developing countries. Brian has been with Jamie's and has played a key role on this journey.

When Brian first started with Jamie's he was a resident in one of The Society of St James' shared houses. He was overcoming alcohol issues. Jamie's Computers provided Brian with somewhere to be during the day and enabled him to make a meaningful contribution.

Brian volunteered a number of days of week and went on to bet instrumental in setting up the first refurbishment workshop. Brian mentored others, teaching them how to repair PCs, demonstrating the confidence he developed through working on the project. 

In 2004 Jamie's received funding from the Big Lottery Fund's, Community Recycling and Economic Development (CRED) Program, which in part allowed Jamie's to take on paid work placements. Brian was an obvious choice and started a 3 day-a-week placement on a temporary basis. The fund also allowed for Jamie's to move into permanent premises and Brian helped to move the project into its new 8,000 square foot warehouse and set up the commercial workshop. 

Brian later becoming a Trainer and went on to teach a wide range of courses including Health & Safety, Build Your Own PC (delivered to excluded school children alongside other staff) and Digital Photography.

His story shows a triumph against the odds, and reminds us all of what is possible if the right help and training is provided.

For more information please contact Della Cunio at Jamie's Computers (www.jamiescomputerclub.org.uk) on 023 8063 2198 or by email enquiries@jamies.org.uk

If you have any questions about Sparklers please contact us on: 0116 2994466 or howard@sparkchallenge.org.uk.