THE OPENING OF Changing Lives' first vintage thrift store in Newcastle upon Tyne in October last year added another strand to its fundraising activities and a fresh opportunity to employ some of those it helps. Founded in 1970 as the Cyrenians and renamed in 2013, the Gateshead-based charity offers outreach and support to the homeless and vulnerable, and people with addiction and mental health problems. The charity gives assistance to more than 4,000 a year with everything from housing to recovery programmes, counselling to employability skills. Partnerships with companies such as Waitrose, Proctor & Gamble and Greggs provide mentors and practical experience that often lead to permanent jobs. Changing Lives' own social enterprises include charity shops, a furniture store and a property-maintenance and refurbishment operation that is turning 50 empty buildings into long-term affordable housing. More than a quarter of the 366-strong workforce at its 38 sites are former clients. Working here is an important part of everyone's lives, an 87% positive score, ranking first among mid-size not-for-profits in our survey. The organisation's openness to ideas at all levels also means they believe they can make a worthwhile contribution to its success (87%, second). Learning opportunities range from core training for new recruits to a programme to augment the skills of project leaders. Coaching is available on topics that offer wider benefits, such as money management and mindfulness. Employment here is good for personal growth (80%, fourth) and the experience gained valuable for the future (81%, fourth). Stephen Bell, the group chief executive, and his senior leadership team spend at least two days a year on the front line to enhance their understanding of the challenges encountered there. Individual employees are invited to every executive meeting to provide feedback. Bell's willingness to listen and learn is an inspiration to others (79%, third), who say his stewardship is based on sound moral principles (86%, fourth). Services for women, families and children, including victims of domestic abuse, are a specialism. In November 2013 the transfer of six centres from Platform 51, formerly YWCA England and Wales, extended this provision from the northeast of England to the whole country. Team members took charge of restructuring the staff council to accommodate these acquisitions, and in May 2014 a conference was convened to bring together colleagues old and new. There, a new set of values was unveiled emphasising the importance of putting a human face on all activities. You'd expect nothing less from an outfit where even the intranet has a name: Clive. www.thecyrenians.org
