Sandwell College Sustainable Swap Shop has been officially opened by Vice Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Beverly Lindsay.
Swap Shop is a pioneering initiative designed to provide students across Sandwell College with access to essential resources and clothing, fostering an environment of support and inclusivity.
Vice Lord-Lieutenant Beverly Lindsay, the founder and general manager of Diamond Travel, one of Birmingham’s leading independent travel agencies, cut the ribbon to formally declare the project open.
The project, which has been funded by West Midlands & Warwickshire Wider Green Skills Local Skills Improvement Fund, aims to promote sustainability, reduce waste, and foster an ever-greater sense of community at college.
A diverse range of free items will be on offer to shoppers, including coats, hats, bags, shoes, jumpers and sportswear – all donated by others.
College students will be able to earn Green Coins through collaborative community workshops and later exchange them for items at the shop.
Students will also be encouraged to manage the Sustainable Swap Shop as part of their work experience, giving them opportunity to use and develop their customer service, teamwork and leadership skills.
Beverly Lindsay was born in St Thomas, Jamaica and came to Birmingham as a teenager to complete her secondary education. BeverIy worked in nursing and midwifery before becoming a senior community worker in Handsworth. She then worked in finance and established Diamond Travel in 1987.
Beverly is a mentor and champion of the African-Caribbean community in Birmingham, the UK and internationally. In 2012, she became the first African-Caribbean woman president of Birmingham Rotary Club. In 2008, she was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican Government. Three years later she received the OBE from the Queen. In 2013, she was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands.
Work Experience & Enrichment Manager, Phoebe Taylor, said: “We are delighted to celebrate this significant milestone in our journey towards sustainability and equity, designed to make students feel valued and integral to our community. Thank you to Beverly for your continued dedication to the community and for greatly inspiring our students and staff, reinforcing the importance of sustainability and community support.”
