Pilgrims’ Progress: Charity Joins with Local Company to Save School Trip

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Port Talbot, 19 June 2025 – Pupils, staff, and parents of St. Joseph’s School and 6th Form in Port Talbot are celebrating the revival of their annual Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, thanks to the generosity of the Goods For Good Charity and local company JES Group Ltd. 

 

The pilgrimage, which takes students on a transformative journey from France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, was under threat this year due to a lack of essential tents and equipment. Step forward Goods For Good, who donated high-quality surplus tents and camping gear that had originally been destined for landfill. These items not only saved the pilgrimage but were also donated with the broader community in mind, ensuring they will remain available as a vital resource for emergencies across Neath Port Talbot. 

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The Goods For Good charity has donated hundreds of thousands of pounds’ worth of high-quality surplus goods from the UK’s most prestigious retailers to support charities, schools, sports clubs and NPT Council's Early Interventions Programme. Its work has helped Ukrainian refugees, the homeless and vulnerable groups across NPT and beyond, while also contributing to sustainability by repurposing surplus goods into life-changing donations. 

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JES Group Ltd and its training division, The Skills Academy, further supported the project by providing personnel and transport to ensure the smooth delivery of these vital items. Their ongoing commitment to supporting meaningful community initiatives has been widely recognised and celebrated. 

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James Torrance, Acting Deputy Headteacher and trip organiser at St. Joseph’s School, expressed his heartfelt gratitude:

 

"This pilgrimage is a life-changing experience for our pupils, and we were devastated when it looked like it might not happen this year. Thanks to the generosity of Goods For Good and the tireless support of JES Group and The Skills Academy, our students will now have the opportunity to embark on this sacred journey. Knowing that the equipment will also be available to support the wider community in emergencies makes this even more special. We are truly overwhelmed by their kindness." 

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Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Steve Hunt, praised the organisations involved:

 

"Goods For Good and JES Group have come together to offer extraordinary support to our community. This pilgrimage is so much more than a trip—it’s an opportunity for personal growth and reflection for these young people. The fact that these resources can also serve the wider community in times of need makes this initiative even more impactful." 

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Cllr Nia Jenkins, NPT Council Cabinet Member for Education and Early Years, added:

 

"This is an inspiring example of how charities and businesses can work together to make a real difference. Goods For Good’s commitment to sustainability and JES Group’s dedication to the community are shining examples of how we can all contribute to a better future. The added benefit of the equipment being available for emergencies is a fantastic bonus for the entire community." 

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Justin Johnson, Director of JES Group Ltd, emphasised the importance of community to his business:

 

"We’ve always believed that by supporting our community, we ensure its strength for generations to come. This pilgrimage means so much to the pupils and staff of St. Joseph’s and we are proud to have played a part in making it happen. At JES Group, we see it as our responsibility to give back to the community that supports us. Knowing that the donated equipment can also serve the wider community in times of need is a testament to the power of collaboration and generosity." 

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The photograph accompanying this release features acting Joint Headteacher David Thomas, Cllr Steve Hunt, Cllr Nia Jenkins, school Governor Cllr Andrew Dacey (Plaid Aberavon), Curtis Rees from the JES Group Ltd’s Skills Academy and some of the pupils from St. Joseph’s School standing proudly with the donated equipment. 

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For further information, please contact: 

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● St. Joseph’s Catholic School & 6th Form Centre, Newton Ave, Port Talbot, NPT SA12 6EY 

Contact: James Torrance: Acting Deputy Headteacher Phone: (01639) 884305 Email: stjoescomp@hwbmail.net 

● Goods For Good: Naomi Kitchen 

○ Email: naomi@goodsforgood.org.uk 

○ Phone: (01923) 918880 

○ Website: www.goodsforgood.org.uk 

● Justin Johnson: JES Group Ltd & The Skills Academy 

○ Email: enquiries@jesgroup.co.uk 

○ Phone: (01639) 898166