T-shirts with a purpose: University festivals support local social enterprise

A social enterprise supporting local homeless people is helping to kit out staff and volunteers for two of the University of Sheffield’s most popular festivals.

A social enterprise supporting local homeless people is helping to kit out staff and volunteers for two of the University of Sheffield’s most popular festivals.

Printed by Us, an award-winning Orchard Square-based social enterprise that gives supported employment opportunities to homeless and vulnerable people, has printed eye-catching T-shirts for both Off the Shelf and Festival of the Mind.

Festival of the Mind, a free biennial event showcasing University of Sheffield research, returns on 19 September. The Festival will see the city’s cultural, creative and digital industries collaborate with some of the city’s brightest academic minds to bring their research to life in exciting, entertaining and innovative ways. Printed by Us has printed the branded T-Shirts for staff and student volunteers who are on hand to make sure the Festival’s series of free city centre projects, exhibitions and performances run smoothly.

Off the Shelf Festival of Words, celebrating its 33rd year, will see local, national and international literary talent entertaining audiences on stages across the city in October. This year, Printed by Us’ work will help the Festival’s dedicated team of staff and volunteers to stand out in style.

Originally established by the Archer Project, Printed by Us gives opportunities to homeless and vulnerable people to learn new skills, build confidence and move towards fulfilling lives. The social enterprise, run by people who have overcome challenging circumstances, offers exclusive prints, garments and mugs via their online store and at their shop, and a bespoke custom printing service, public screen printing workshops and more from its Orchard Square base. One hundred per cent of Printed By Us’ profits are reinvested into the social enterprise, so every order has a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of those involved.

Professor Vanessa Toulmin, Director of City, Culture and Public Engagement at the University of Sheffield, said: “Off the Shelf Festival of Words and Festival of the Mind bring tens of thousands of people to Sheffield city centre each year and we always try to support our partners in the local community as much as possible.

“That’s why Printed by Us was the perfect choice for the printing of our festival T-Shirts. It’s a wonderful social enterprise doing incredible work in the community and we’re delighted to be able to give something back.

“As you’ll see from the pictures of our fabulous T-Shirts, the fantastic team at Printed by Us has done a brilliant job and we can’t wait to show them off to festival goers.”

Evie from Printed by Us, said: “Printing the t-shirts for the Universities’ two flagship festivals has been an incredible opportunity for us, and all members of staff involved have really enjoyed seeing this design and their hard work come to fruition.

“It’s really important for us to engage in our community, and the University of Sheffield is a massive part of that! We have had volunteers from UOS who have been incredible and hope to continue building our relationship in the future.

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