The Just World Shop began as a small stall opening twice a week in the room now used by maintenance inside St. John’s College about 26 years ago. It was started by some of those who went on to found Traidcraft! About six years ago the shop moved to its current position on the Bailey, allowing access to outside customers.

The JWS exists to raise awareness and promote fair trade amongst students and local residents. It is not primarily a profit-making venture, although money we do make is donated to charities and used for any shop expenses. We have in the past had standing orders set up with a few charities, including Christian Aid, Save the Children, SOS Children’s Villages, and Tearfund.

The shop is run entirely by volunteers, and is open from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday (providing the shifts are all filled!). It sells a wide range of Fairly Traded goods, including chocolate, crisps, drinks, cards and gifts. It is also supported by a Fair Trade vending machine, which can be found at the end of Cranmer, and is regularly refilled. You can sign up for a shift at any time, and it is known to be one of the most sociable places in college, providing a thoroughfare for John’s students and thus countless opportunities for chats, as well as being an excellent place to work when it’s quiet.

Managers: Hannah Butler (h.r.butler@durham.ac.uk) and Naomi Parker (n.s.parker@durham.ac.uk)
Treasurer: Vivian Lai (vivian.lai@durham.ac.uk)