PURE project

PURE has supported over 6,000 Birmingham residents facing barriers into employment, education and training.

Across four phases of delivery, many participants were managing multiple challenges at the same time. Experience from the programme has shown the importance of personalised, joined-up support.

This support has helped people build confidence, access opportunities and, in many cases, move into work after long periods out of employment.

The programme also demonstrates the value of partnership-based delivery in supporting people with complex needs and creating a more inclusive Birmingham.

As phase four draws to a close, we will be sharing participant stories and reflecting on key learning from more than six years of delivery.

Birmingham City Council
West Midlands Combined Authority

We’re still buzzing from last week’s PURE Awards 2026 at Edgbaston Stadium.

It was inspiring to hear from so many PURE participants, with awards and certificates recognising their outstanding achievements in education, training and employment.

We were proud to celebrate our partners including Tesco, Nuffield Health, Birmingham Deafblind, Capitax and ReCognition Circular, whose collaboration has created real opportunities and lasting impact.

The day also recognised the long-standing commitment of our delivery partners Better Pathways, BID Services, Birmingham Rathbone Society, FareShare Midlands, Midland Mencap and Trident Group.

Thank you to The BUSY Group UK for helping make the day possible, Edgbaston Stadium for hosting us so well, PURE participant Paige for her beautiful paintings, and Stuart Lackenby at Birmingham City Council for his continued support.

Together, PURE has supported more than 6,000 individuals, each with their own story of hard work and progress. The impact of this work will continue long beyond the programme itself.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey.

West Midlands Combined Authority
Case-UK BUSY At Work

Opening up conversations on accessible employment.

PURE joined an event recognising International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It was a thoughtful and insightful day focused on Livelihood and Employment.

Thank you to the Disability Advisory Network at Birmingham City Council for creating a space for real discussion and collaboration.

We were pleased to contribute alongside our partner Midland Mencap and employer, Capitax.

West Midlands Combined Authority

A brilliant day out with our PURE Project team and delivery partners. Amazing people, great teamwork, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Better Pathways, BID Services, Birmingham Rathbone Society, FareShare Midlands, Midland Mencap, Trident Group, ReCognition Circular CIC

Last few tickets available!

Join us at the Sparkbrook Health and Wellness Day.

There will be lots of local support services and even some bowling.

Tuesday 28 October
10am - 1pm
Sparkbrook Community and Health Centre

Book your slot here: https://SparkbrookHealth.eventbrite.co.uk

Midland Mencap, Trident Group, Better Pathways, Birmingham City Council

Sparkbrook Health and Wellness Day Come join us to learn about about all the free local services near you.

On now.

Join us at the Community Connections Marketplace in Moseley.

Skills, training, health, employment and more.

We're here until 1pm.

Moseley Day Centre
1 Amesbury Road, Birmingham, B13 8LD

Details in the Eventbrite link:
https://Moseley.eventbrite.co.uk

Trident Group, Midland Mencap, FareShare Midlands, BID Services, Better Pathways

Community Connections Marketplace – This Thursday at Moseley Day Centre.

Meet local organisations offering free help and advice.

The PURE Project will be there with support towards education, training and employment.

Thursday 16 October 2025
10am – 1pm
1 Amesbury Road, Birmingham, B13 8LD

Free entry and light refreshments provided.

Find out more and book your free spot: https://Moseley.eventbrite.co.uk



Midland Mencap, FareShare Midlands, Trident Group, BID Services Birmingham City Council Everything Moseley Moseley Matters

Doors are open now.

Join us at the Handsworth Inclusive Recruitment Fair.

Meet Tesco, Alstom, disability specialists and more.

We're here until 3pm.

Location: Soho House Museum

Full details in the link:
https://InclusiveJobs.eventbrite.co.uk

Tomorrow is the Handsworth Inclusive Recruitment Fair.

Date: 1 October 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Soho House, Handsworth

This marketplace-style event is your chance to meet directly with some inclusive employers, support organisations and disability specialists.

Whether you are looking for your first role or seeking advice on the support available, join us and make some valuable connections.

Only a few tickets remain. Book your slot quickly.

Register here: https://InclusiveJobs.eventbrite.co.uk

Birmingham City Council, Midland Mencap

inclusivejobs.eventbrite.co.uk

Wonderful coverage from World News TV of the PURE Awards. Read it here:

PURE Awards 2025 celebrate achievements in overcoming barriers to employment at Symphony Hall - World News TV The PURE Project hosted its annual awards ceremony at the iconic Symphony Hall to celebrate the completion of its phase 3 and mark the achievements of participants, providers and partners.

Birmingham City Council PURE project team were delighted to attend the Fair Chance Hiring Employer Symposium, co-hosted by KPMG, Department for Work and Pensions - DWP and Fair Chance Business Alliance (FCBA). The event brought together over 100 business leaders and fair-chance hiring advocates.

It was great to hear from all panellists on creating inclusive and fairer opportunities, including KPMG’s Nicholas Fox and Virgin Group’s Matthias Stausberg. To echo FCBA’s Kate Carr, “when we work together, we can make a real impact.”

🌟 New experiences, friendships, and unforgettable memories! 🌟

Through our work, we know that stepping outside of your comfort zone can open new doors, and that’s exactly what happened when a group of our participants, supported by FareShare Midlands, took a trip to London!

For many, this was their first time visiting the capital, and the excitement was clear to see. From taking in the breathtaking views on the London Eye 🎡 to standing in front of Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, it was a day filled with awe, joy, and a real sense of achievement.

But the trip wasn’t just about sightseeing, it was about confidence-building, making connections, and proving to themselves that new experiences are possible. One participant, Mekbib, even discovered a hidden talent for photography 📸, capturing incredible moments that the group will cherish forever.

🔹 Tony shared: “I loved seeing the palace and Big Ben in real life but most of all, I loved being out and having a good time with everyone.”

🔹 Khalid said: “The view from the top of the London Eye was breathtaking. It was amazing to see some of London’s most iconic landmarks, such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace from such a height.”

These moments remind us why we do what we do. Everyone deserves opportunities to grow, explore, and feel part of something bigger, and that’s exactly what this day was all about.

A huge thank you to FareShare Midlands for making it happen!
💙