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Duchess of Edinburgh Tries Power Drill on Visit to Oxford’s RAW Workshop

The visit spotlighted RAW’s model employing people overcoming barriers to work.

Overview

  • Sophie toured the Blackbird Leys facility, met RAW Potential staff and students, and learned about the Harvesting furniture refurbishment model.
  • She tested a heavy-duty drill under the guidance of 15-year-old student Alfie during the workshop demonstration.
  • RAW says more than 85% of its employees have faced disadvantage or barriers to work, including homelessness, addiction and mental-health challenges.
  • The enterprise is described as Europe’s largest of its kind, reinvests all profits in its mission, and supports about 150 young people annually through RAW Potential.
  • The itinerary also included Windale Community Hub and Ronald McDonald House at the John Radcliffe Hospital, where she packed hampers and spoke with service users.