The Epiphany Trust is currently supporting many educational initiatives worldwide, one of it’s priorities though is the Cert. H. Ed distant learning course in Politics and Theology at Sarum College in Salisbury.

The Cana Foundation is concerned to support those with alcohol and drug problems, particularly in poorer countries where health services are under developed. It has a special interest in the needs of women who face imprisonment or abuse because of their alcohol or drug abuse patterns. Cana supports research scholarships, pioneering projects and innovative programmes.

In another of the Trusts educational initiatives, financial help was given for research for Lord Alton’s book Life After Death, now in it’s fourth edition.

Vocational training is currently being provided by the Trust for students in Lugoj, Romania, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Lahore, Pakistan.

The IGNITE Programme

The IGNITE programme is an acronym for 'Innovate, Guide, IT and Enterprise'. Each of these elements - innovative ideas, expert guidance from other businesses, IT support/guidance/training and the provision of motivational support are considered essential factors for successful new businesses. 'Ignite' is designed to encourage the start up of new small businesses, particularly amongst disadvantaged people in areas of most need.

Ignite is financed by money from the European Social Fund which is channelled through UK Charitable Trusts. The projects are chosen on their probability of success and value to the community.

Over the last four years Epiphany Trust has enabled more than 30 new businesses on Merseyside to "get off the ground". Many involve people with physical or learning disabilities and all are from disadvantaged backgrounds that without E.S.F. funds would not have had the opportunity to start their own business.

Working very closely with Blue Orchid Management, who provide the training for all our beneficiaries, Epiphany Trust has had some notable successes:

"Motor Waste" were one of the first new businesses to come on to the programme. Working closely with Merseyside Police and the probation service, M.W. employs young people who have been involved in car crime, to recover and recycle burnt-out and wrecked cars that have been abandoned in various parts of the region. Hundreds have been recovered. Young people have learned how to "strip down" the cars for recycling - currently over 80% of the car is recycled, and the figure is rising.

The re-offending rate amongst young people working for the company is significantly lower than the national average.

Donna Berry is a sculptor working in, of all things....toast! She has recently been employed by the City in connection with its European City of Culture programme 2008.

Mockbeggar, a theatre group run by two people, themselves disabled, employ within their company a number of learning disabled adults producing and performing a range of plays and musicals which are performed both in the UK and throughout Europe. Mockbeggar Theatre Company has recently performed 'West Side Story' in Barcelona. In addition to their 'on-stage work', disability awareness training and consultancy services are part of their ongoing programme.

The Ignite programme comprises networking, training and mentoring activities to help disabled and disadvantaged people set up a successful business. Together with the expert help of Blue Orchid, we are making it work.

For more details of the IGNITE programme, click here