Our Story
St Jude’s Laundry began not as a business plan, but as an act of compassion—rooted in dignity, discipline, and second chances.
It started with James.
James Young, an RAF pilot and veteran, returned to civilian life with a strong sense of service and a belief that everyone deserves purpose and opportunity—especially those who’ve faced hardship or exclusion.
After years serving his country in the air, James chose to serve it on the ground, turning his energy toward social impact. In Edinburgh, he saw the need for a place where people—especially those overlooked by the job market—could find work, structure, and pride. He believed that steady work, however simple, could restore confidence and rebuild lives.
And so, St Jude’s Laundry was born.
Named after the patron saint of lost causes—but guided by unwavering hope—St Jude’s set out to offer more than just clean laundry. It offered people a clean slate.
Strengthened by Jane
Alongside James stood Jane Margaret Errington, whose compassion and quiet determination helped shape St Jude’s into the inclusive workplace it is today.
Jane was deeply committed to creating meaningful employment for people with disabilities and those facing barriers to work. She believed that real inclusion meant high standards paired with the right support — giving people not sympathy, but opportunity.
Her influence helped embed dignity, patience, and long-term thinking into the organisation. She ensured St Jude’s was not only commercially strong, but socially purposeful — a place where people could build confidence, independence, and pride through their work.
Together, James and Jane built more than a laundry. They built a community grounded in discipline, compassion, and belief in human potential.
Built on Discipline, Delivered with Care
James brought his RAF precision and standards to every corner of the laundry—from the way the sheets were folded, to the respect shown to every team member. He instilled a culture of pride in the work, no matter the task. For James, every laundered item was a symbol of restored dignity—for both the clients and the people behind the machines.
A Legacy That Lives On
Today, St Jude’s Laundry is a thriving commercial enterprise, supporting individuals who face barriers to employment. We’ve grown from humble beginnings to become a trusted partner for leading hotels, care providers, and organisations across Edinburgh and beyond.
But James’ spirit remains at the core of what we do. His belief in the power of work, community, and second chances drives our mission to this day.
“It wasn’t about laundry. It was about people. About purpose. And about doing things properly—with heart and with pride.”
– James Young
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, we remain committed to the values James held dear: discipline, integrity, and compassion. We continue to invest in people, processes, and partnerships that make a real difference—not just in laundry, but in lives.