Birmingham Social Enterprise Miss Macaroon Awarded £10,000 in National Highways Community Fund
A Birmingham-based social enterprise has been granted £10,000 as part of a National Highways initiative aimed at supporting local communities. Miss Macaroon, a macaroon vendor, received the funding from the team managing the M42 junction 6 scheme, marking it as the latest beneficiary of the project's Community Legacy Fund.
Funding for Positive Community Impact
The £10,000 grant is designated for the MacsMAD (Macaroons that Make A Difference) program, which focuses on creating opportunities for unemployed young people. This financial support has enabled the establishment of a dedicated training area at Miss Macaroon's Resorts World store in Birmingham.
Rosie Ginday, CEO of Miss Macaroon, expressed gratitude for the contribution, stating, "With a brighter, better-equipped setting, our MacsMAD trainees can build confidence, learn new skills and feel proud to be part of a social enterprise that invests in their future. We are hugely grateful to National Highways, whose generous support made this refurbishment possible."
Expanding Training and Support Services
Founded in 2011, Miss Macaroon reinvests all profits into programs that help young individuals gain essential skills for life transformation. The new training space is projected to facilitate 21 additional training placements over the next three years.
The enhanced facility will integrate:
- Practical skills training
- Mental health support services
- One-to-one counselling sessions
- Post-programme mentoring opportunities
This initiative aims to boost confidence and improve wellbeing among youth in communities near the M42 J6 area, including Chelmsley Wood, Shard End, Lea Hall, Yardley, and Solihull.
National Highways' Commitment to Social Value
Adam Gallis, National Highways Project Manager for the M42 Junction 6 scheme, highlighted the significance of the partnership: "MacsMAD is a fantastic initiative that supports people facing complex barriers into employment and we’re delighted to be able to support it. By expanding the training space, this project unlocks access to high-quality training for communities who previously faced travel barriers. It’s a great example of how social value funding can deliver long-lasting benefits for local people."
The Community Legacy Fund represents National Highways' broader commitment to giving back to communities affected by their infrastructure projects, ensuring that development work leads to tangible positive outcomes for residents.
