ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a number of self-help initiatives taken by or for unemployed adults. The drawback of using a few examples is that they can illustrate only a narrow range of possibilities and, of the many feasible relationships between the key elements of providers, users, stakeholders, management and mode of learning, only a few are explored. Manor Employment Project, started in 1981 by taking over a disused light industrial site in the Manor Estate area of Sheffield. Funded by the Employment Department of Sheffield City Council, the project enables groups of Manor residents to set up small business enterprises committed to the principles of co-operation. Individual enterprises are organised mainly on co-operative lines and depend heavily on all the people involved for their success. Thus members bear heavy responsibilities not only for the productive work of their firm, but also for its organisation and management.
