Final preparations are underway for the launch of an innovative social enterprise that will help people in need transform their homes with affordable, high quality goods.
Upcycle Birmingham – a furniture recycling business that offers an exciting new way of buying items for the home – will open its doors in Castle Vale this month.
Working from a state-of-the-art training unit and showroom in the OYO Business Park, Park Lane, the team will lovingly restore pieces of furniture and household goods for re-sale.
However, Upcycle Birmingham not only brings new life to furniture and homes, but to people and their communities too. The project provides employment, training and volunteering opportunities for local people who are looking for work.
Project director Judy Tullett said: “We have been working hard to get everything ready and are all very excited about the launch of Upcycle Birmingham.
“The training unit is really impressive and a dedicated, hard-working team is now in place. People across Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield and Solihull have already been donating items; we have uncovered some real gems.”
Items that have been carefully restored include tables and chairs, cabinets, beds, sofas and wardrobes. A host of domestic appliances, electrical items and household wares are also available for sale.
“We are now urging people who are having a clear-out or spring clean to donate any items that they no longer want or need,” said Judy.
“A collection service is available and ‘Cherry’ – Upcycle Birmingham’s hard-working delivery and collection van – has already become a familiar sight on the Castle Vale estate.”
The project not only gives local people the chance to make home improvements that they can really afford but are also helps them to become more employable by providing access to skills based qualifications.
Upcycle Birmingham is part of the Castle Vale Tenants and Residents’ Alliance (CVTRA), an organisation that has provided help, information and support for residents across east Birmingham for more than 20 years. At the very heart of the community, CVTRA is unique as it is the only resident-led organisation of its type in Birmingham, and one of only a few in England.
People who have items that they would like to donate, or who would like to find out more about training and volunteering opportunities, should contact Upcycle Birmingham on 0121 747 5932 or visit www.upcyclebirmingham.org.uk/
For more information please contact Anna Watts on 0792 778 2992 or Judy Tullett on 0121 748 5795