More than 100 people across Birmingham have moved into employment thanks to our I-Can programme, supporting those facing barriers to work with confidence building, skills development and practical employability support.
Delivered through Birmingham City Council’s PURE initiative, the programme has supported 381 participants and includes strong local human-interest case studies and interview opportunities.
Press release below with full details and quotes. Happy to arrange interviews with CEO Simone Connolly, PURE contacts or a participant.
FareShare Midlands Celebrates Life-Changing Impact of I-Can Programme through PURE Partnership
FareShare Midlands is celebrating the powerful impact of its pioneering I-Can employability programme, delivered as part of the PURE (Partnership for Urban Employment and Recovery) initiative commissioned by Birmingham City Council.
Launched in March 2022, I-Can marked the charity’s first formal employability programme, supporting people facing complex barriers to work. Over three years, the programme has helped 381 participants across Birmingham build confidence, develop essential skills and take meaningful steps toward employment.
At its heart, I-Can has been about more than just finding work. By creating a warm, inclusive and supportive environment, the team has enabled individuals to grow in confidence, improve literacy and job readiness, gain hands-on experience in warehouse and kitchen settings, and connect with real employment opportunities. This tailored, person-centred approach has led to 98 people securing jobs, with a further 21 participants gaining employment within FareShare Midlands itself.
One of those individuals is Loveness, who moved to the UK from Zimbabwe in 2024 and spent a year struggling to find work. After discovering FareShare Midlands on social media, she joined the I-Can programme and quickly flourished. Recognising her potential, the team encouraged her to apply for a role within the organisation, which she successfully secured. Loveness said:
“I have had an amazing experience working at FareShare Midlands, with a wonderful team who are truly passionate about helping vulnerable people improve their lives.”
Simone Connolly, CEO at FareShare Midlands, said:
“We know that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. I-Can has shown what’s possible when people are given the right support, encouragement and belief. It’s been incredibly powerful to see individuals grow in confidence, discover their strengths and take real steps into employment. This programme hasn’t just changed outcomes — it has changed lives.”
The I-Can programme has been delivered as part of the wider PURE partnership, bringing together organisations across Birmingham to support residents into employment and improve life chances.
Tabriz Hussain, PURE Programme Manager 2019-2026, BCC said:
“I have been delighted and honoured to lead the PURE programme over the past four phases, and to see the difference it has made to people’s lives across Birmingham is extremely humbling. FareShare Midlands has been at the heart of this collaborative approach and what they are able to offer is truly unique and what they have delivered is central to building a more inclusive city.”
FareShare Midlands continues to build on the success of I-Can through its current employability programmes. Connect to Work, delivered in partnership with Better Pathways, The BUSY Group, Disability Resource Centre and The Colebridge Trust, provides tailored, one-to-one support to help disabled people and those facing complex barriers prepare for, find and sustain meaningful employment. Alongside this, Root2Rise, funded by the National Zakat Foundation, supports individuals who have been out of work long-term with free training, qualifications and practical experience to help them move into full-time roles.
To find out more about partnering with FareShare Midlands, visit the website or contact yvonne.foody@faresharemidlands.org.uk.
