About Us


Kerala Crafts, a Bath based project,  was established in 2001, and became a registered charity in October 2010.  Its objects are to help provide an alternative to a life of poverty by supporting 4 projects in Kerala, south India:

Valsalya Bhavan -  home for rescued girls aged between 5 & 16 years

Adelaide Bhavan - independent living  for older orphaned girls

Vimala Welfare Centre - meeting the needs of marginalised women

'SHE'S' - Malabar Memsahib Welfare  - a women's stitching co-operative

All profits from Kerala Crafts sales are ploughed back to India to help provide financial support  for the above projects.

 Made by ladies who smile - giving women a voice to be heard

We want to reassure our customers that our artisans are happy and ......
  • work in a good environment, a far cry from the sweatshops so often sadly associated with India.  
  • All the ladies are within walking distance of the workshop - and times are flexible to fit around family commitments.
  • Receive higher than average wages, with annual pay increases and a welfare fund for staff
  • Women of all ages, castes and religions are welcome to work here.
  • Enjoy safe, clean, peaceful and well lit workshops.
How Can I Help? 

Photo Gallery

Films

Patrons

Kudumbashree is Kerala's unique poverty eradication scheme for women
How it Started
Kerala Crafts came into being after a holiday in Kerala and witnessing the plight of many marginalized people, particularly women.  I visited a women’s welfare centre whilst there and was impressed with the quality, designs and colours of the handicrafts the women were making.  I thought the  best way to help would be to buy the products, thus keeping the women in work.  I brought back a few things and showed them to family and friends – and the rest is history!  Almost 20 years on, and we are still buying the lovely fair trade handicrafts.  We have also set up a women’s co-operative, who make our fair trade knickers, as well as supporting an orphanage for girls.  We operate strictly on a fair trade basis.
Christine Snow, Founder - Volunteer


Awards