Rishi Sunak visited Just the Job Environmental Enterprises to view expansion plans aimed at securing the charity’s future and supporting more people across Richmondshire.
Just the Job is a charity and social enterprise supporting adults with a wide range of abilities through practical, work-orientated therapeutic activities.
Established in 2005, the organisation has grown steadily and now operates across four sites on short-term leases. Demand has continued to increase, and the charity has outgrown its current accommodation.
The Richmond and Northallerton MP toured the workshops and joined team members taking part in activities such as woodworking, gardening and other hands-on work designed to develop skills, confidence, and independence. Mr Sunak then viewed the site identified for the charity’s Big Green Build.
The Big Green Build will bring all services together on one purpose-built site. Planning permission has been granted for the new facility, which will include specialist activity rooms, fully accessible toilets with changing equipment and multi-use outdoor spaces.
The project has received a £500,000 National Lottery grant to support its development and Just the Job is continuing to raise funds to complete the project, with construction expected to follow once the remaining funding is secured.
The development will allow Just the Job to broaden its provision, support more individuals from the local community and increase opportunities to work alongside schools and other local projects.
The expansion will also create new employment opportunities and provide a more sustainable long-term future for the organisation.
The Big Green Build is designed as a pioneering low-carbon project for the local area. Plans include solar panels, a green roof, reed bed water filtration, timber frame construction and straw bale insulation.
Speaking after the visit, Rishi Sunak said:
“Just the Job provides practical support that helps people build confidence, skills, and independence. The Big Green Build is an ambitious and forward-looking project that will give the charity the space and facilities it needs to grow and support more people.”
Steve Biggs, manager of Just the Job, said:
“The work we do is about giving people purpose and the opportunity to develop skills in a supportive, real-world environment”
“Seeing that work recognised and supported means a great deal to our team and the people we support. We were really grateful that Rishi took the time to visit, meet our team members and show his support for what we are trying to achieve. Our ambition is to begin developing the site in 2026 and take a major step forward for Just the Job.”
