Who We Are

Swap & shop in New-U Enterprises Ltd, a unique boutique style shop in central Norwich, offering quality pre-loved clothing and accessories for the whole family.

• We support adults out of work through flexible work placements in a textile swap shop which serves the wider community
• We offer young people opportunities to activate social entrepreneurship and opportunities for economic growth
• We believe unemployed people have the chance to succeed and the wider community has a unique opportunity to contribute towards sustainable fashion
• Guilt-free shopping that is helping to minimise the harmful effects of the textiles industry by re-using clothing as wearable items – time and time again!

Swap & Shop

People can bring in up to 10 good quality, clean items into one of our shops.

The number of points received is determined by the quality and condition of each donated item, the better the quality and condition, the higher the points value.  For example a high street brand top will be awarded approximately 4-6 swap points, if it is new with tags the value will be even higher.

Points will be recorded against a name ready for people to collect from the next opening day.  There is no rush to collect points, they are held on our database until someone next pops into our Norwich shop.

Points ate spent in store. We have many rails of beautiful quality clothing, each one priced with a cash/card price.  Swap point can be used to receive a 50% discount.  For example a dress can be purchased for £10, or 10 swap points and £5.

We have a high turnover of stock, and there is no time limit on point vouchers. People can still shop with us in store or online without swap points.  Everything is available to pay for entirely with cash/card.

Borrowing
We know that sometimes people need smart clothing, but may not want or be able to buy something that they only wear once.  At New-U we offer clothing for FREE to anyone needing smart attire for any occasion.  It could be a job interview, wedding, funeral or court appearance, click here to get in touch.

Work Experience

We recognise that if someone has been out of work or training for a while, they will need support to gain confidence and recognise the skills they already have. Our work placements are tailored to the individual, we work with the person to identify their strengths and help support them towards work, training or volunteering.

We welcome people aged 18+ with low level mental health issues, disabilities and hidden disabilities. We are all-inclusive and non judgemental and will adapt the placement to meet an individual’s needs.

I was welcomed and was made to feel comfortable and supported
 
During my work placements, I was welcomed and was made to feel comfortable and supported. The sessions were really enjoyable and everyone was friendly and approachable. I learnt to be more independent and my confidence majorly increased. I had the chance to get used to being in a real working environment and I would do the placements all over again if I was given the opportunity. I am going to see if I can volunteer at the shop on a semi-regular basis in the future to stay in touch with everyone. I cannot think of any way that the work placement project could be improved, I really enjoyed it, thank you. ”

– Young person supported on a Work Placement and Employability Workshop with New-U Cromer and Merchants’ Place.

In addition to the work experience placement we offer employability support and the opportunity for a volunteer mentor.

Work placements must be 18+ and take place in our Norwich store. To find out more about work experience placement opportunities please email Jason at hello@new-ultd.co.uk

Upcycling Hub

New-U’s Upcycling Hub runs activities for the anyone interested in creating something new from old clothing in Norwich and Cromer.  These are free-of-charge and we welcome everyone to come along, meet new people and learn new skills.  At these workshops, you will be able to make rugs, wreaths, canes, bunting, cushions, decorations and other craft items from pre-loved clothing.

Regular activities take place in our Honestly Library, level 2, Castle Quarter, Norwich on the second Tuesday of each month.  Please see our What’s On page for individual workshop times and dates.

There is no need to pre-book, just pop in and join us. New-U will provide all the materials and tools needed.

Our activities are for all skill levels, from experienced crafters to complete beginners. Each month, we focus on a different upcycling activity. Come once or every month—it’s up to you! 

These activities are free.  However New-U is a charity so if an activity requires supplies that we have to buy, occasionally we may ask for a small contribution to cover specific costs. 

Please email hello@new-ultd.co.uk if you have any questions or would like more information.  

Volunteers

Our volunteers help with all sorts of things in our store. Including: dealing with customers, taking photographs for our online store, allocating points, steaming clothes, visual merchandising, helping with our social media accounts. In fact, as well relying on our volunteers to help run all aspects of the shop, we also need them to assist young people completing work placements and our ‘You’ve Got This’ workshops.

If you feel you could offer us a few hours of your time we would be extremely grateful. You will become part of a supportive, flexible and friendly team, dedicated to the success of New-U

Follow us here on icanbea.... for the latest news and opportunities.  If you'd like more details on any of the above, please get in touch by using the form below, via hello@new-ultd.co.uk, or by visiting our Norwich store on Level 2 of the Castle Quarter.