Win or Lose Have Shiny Shoes
Our Story
In the bustling heart of Great Yarmouth, where countless individuals face the harsh realities of unemployment and homelessness, Mandalay Wellbeing CIC embarked on a mission to create lasting change. Our project, “Win Or Lose Have Shiny Shoes,” was born out of a desire to transform lives through meaningful employment and a renewed sense of purpose.
The Vision
Our aim is to help those furthest from employment, including homeless individuals, long-term job seekers, 16-25 year olds, and anyone looking for a new challenge. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to improve their lives, and our unique approach brings the community together to make this possible.
The Journey
Founded by Trevor Saunders BEM, who has been running a community interest company providing practical support to people since 2017, “Win Or Lose Have Shiny Shoes” was inspired by Trevor’s own experience. While on a Youth Training Scheme (YTS) with Norwich City Football Club, Trevor served as the ‘Boot Boy,’ responsible for cleaning every professional player’s training and match day boots – every day! This experience instilled in him a strong work ethic and the idea of using practical work to support individuals into employment.
Our Goal: To change the pathway of those most in need by providing them with the tools, training, and mentorship to offer a valuable service – shoe shining.
We collaborate with members of the public, who, after receiving a shoe shine, engage with our team members, understand their stories, and actively help to find potential suitable positions for them. This interaction fosters a sense of connection and responsibility within the community.
Services Provided:
Training and Tools: We equip our participants with all the necessary tools and training to provide a professional shoe shine service.
Interview Preparation: When an interview is secured, we provide interview clothing and haircuts, ensuring candidates present themselves confidently.
Mentorship: Each shoe shiner is paired with a mentor who encourages, motivates, and guides them during their work. These mentors, often retired professionals, volunteer their time to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our participants.
Engaging the Community
Each shoe shine is charged at a nominal fee of £1 to help cover costs and ensure sustainability.
After the shoe shine, customers are handed a card with details about the person and the type of work they are interested in.
If a customer finds a suitable position, they contact us using the information on the card, and we follow up to secure an interview if appropriate for both parties.
Join Us
Mentors:
If you are a retired professional and would like to make a meaningful change for people, helping them off benefits and through challenges, we want to talk to you. These positions are voluntary, and your contribution can make a world of difference.
For those frustrated with seeing the same people living on the streets or relying on food banks and benefits, we aim to make a permanent change by instilling a WORK ETHIC and providing structure to enable people to take positive steps in their lives.
Shoe Shiners:
If you are genuinely looking to gain employment and would like to give join our team
Support Our Mission
Our main focus to remain sustainable and expand is to secure funding from individuals and organizations who believe in our work. Your support can help us change the current economic situation and empower those in need to achieve self-sufficiency.