Blackbird Leys Raw Workshop supports Oxford youngsters

But life-changing work is taking place inside a workshop in the heart of Blackbird Leys. 

The RAW Workshop in Dunnock Way is a social enterprise which offers carpentry work to those who may have come from backgrounds of addiction, homelessness, criminality or adverse childhood experiences.

"High quality furniture projects" are the output of a workforce where 75 per cent have "fought against the odds".

The workshop. (Image: Noor Qurashi)

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Cameron Clarkson, client and production manager, said: "We see their experiences as a positive rather than a negative.

"To know that people have got through that - it makes them ridiculously strong."

Head of operations, Hazel Osborn explained the workshop was "where it all started".

Cameron Clarkson and Hazel Osborn. (Image: Noor Qurashi)

But since its original provision for adults who have faced "various challenges" work has expanded to encompass young people too.

The main workshop section was almost empty of workers when Ms Osborn spoke to us.

She stated there was a "big delivery today" in relation to the absence.

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Sean Washington, who has been employed by RAW for five to six months was present.

He said: "It's a really nice environment.

"It's amazing work. It's amazing people."

Mr Washington, in-between fixing some bat boxes, said he had been referred to the centre when he was at school.

Sean Washington. (Image: Noor Qurashi)

"I started coming here every Thursday," he explained.

"I left school and wanted to come back and do a little bit of work experience in the summer.

"Then I was offered a position."

Kindling at the centre is made from 100 per cent recycled timber.

Kindling. (Image: Noor Qurashi)

Mr Washington said: "We're a bit different to a normal shop in Temple Cowley."

While the workshop is a hive of activity, Blackbird Leys as a whole is also moving at a pace as it undergoes a £100m regeneration project which will include around 275 homes, a new community centre and shops.

Mr Clarkson said the centre normally looked to work with builders carrying out construction work in the area to see if it could provide any benefits.

Roxy, office dog. (Image: Noor Qurashi)

He added: "We are looking to expand our provision in the area."

Tim Hughes, who has been employed by the workshop for 25 years, said: "For someone like me this is almost like a second family.

Tim Hughes. (Image: Noor Qurashi)

"I value the whole thing of trying to fix things up to sell - trying to make things better."

The youth centre offers provision for children aged between 12 and 16 years old but the young people were "out visiting a National Trust site" at the time of our visit.

Sophie King, youth centre manager, said: "We are here for young people where the mainstream is not working such as if they are on the brink of exclusion."

Sophie King. (Image: Noor Qurashi)

Woodwork made by the young people can either be taken home or sold in which instance 100 per cent of profits go towards "days out for them".

Woodwork done by young people. (Image: Noor Qurashi)