Get to know Jo!

Hi Jo! Thanks for joining us today and for bringing amazing ice cream to Poynton!

When did you first hear about modern slavery, Jo, and why do you think more people aren’t aware of it?

Like many people, I thought slavery ended early in the 19th century thanks to the efforts of William Wilberforce and other leaders of the anti-slavery movement. I think this misconception, together with modern slavery being a crime that’s hidden in plain sight, results in many people being unaware of how prevalent slavery still is. At Just-Ice, it’s our mission to raise public awareness whilst helping survivors of this despicable crime.

It wasn’t until 2015, and the passing of the Modern Slavery Bill that I realised slavery is still very much going on in the world. I then met Gavin and Sally from Just-Ice Derby in 2019 and they really opened my eyes. I was at a crossroads in my life and I couldn’t stop thinking about everything I’d learnt.

How did you come to the decision of opening Just-Ice in Poynton and taking on the role of Chair of Trustees?

I know Poynton well through my role as a lay reader at St George's Church.

I've always had a passion for social justice and I wanted to reach out to the community beyond the church walls. A community café with a Christian ethic felt like the ideal opportunity and I knew Poynton would love Just-Ice's delicious ethical ice cream!

The proximity to Manchester and good transport links were key considerations because Greater Manchester sadly has one of the highest modern slavery case rates in the country. We knew there are people out there who need our help. For these reasons and more we felt Poynton was the perfect location and, after careful consideration, we felt the charity model would be the best approach.

I was looking for a new challenge when my involvement with our family business was coming to an end. With Gavin and Sally's backing from Just-Ice Derby, I took on the role of Chair of Trustees and the rest is history!

What is the best thing about being involved in Just-Ice and what have you found most challenging?

Without doubt the best thing is seeing lives transformed for the better!

I can picture so clearly the beneficiaries walking through our door for the first time. They've taken a really courageous step and are understandably quiet, wary, uncertain and suspicious. However, with time, patience and support we see their confidence grow and they reveal their true selves as trust is rebuilt.

It's a special moment every time a beneficiary completes our Employability Programme. They receive their training file with the qualifications they've achieved and a reference from us. Together with the skills and experience they've gained these people are now equipped to go off into the world and it's a pleasure to see!

As for the most challenging aspect, I think it has to be that the buck stops with me! Knowing that can be quite stressful, especially when unexpected problems arise, such as when our scooping freezer recently broke down!

Thankfully I have a fantastic team who support me and each other. Paul, my husband, is a tower of strength, and does many things for Just-Ice quietly behind the scenes.

What are your hopes and aspirations for Just-Ice going into the future?

My sincerest hope is that Just-Ice will be here for many years to come and we can support more people who've been exploited through this terrible crime.

Balancing the books is always a challenge for a small charity. However, I'm so thankful that we have the support of such a fantastic community! Every ice cream, cake, coffee and lunch you buy really makes a difference! I'm really grateful to everyone who fundraisers for us as well and the organisations who've awarded us grants.

Just-Ice has a fantastic team of people behind it with limitless enthusiasm. They're always coming up with new ideas and I'm sure Just-Ice will continue to grow and thrive.

Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Jo!