This is an exciting new venture generating fresh opportunities for anyone in the community to experience a range of different activities. Initially these will include gardening, carpentry, computer refurbishment and cycle recycling but more are planned.
Those with disabilities or suffering social exclusion will be particularly, though not exclusively, welcome.
The new initiative has been developed by a cooperative of local charities with funding from Kingston Primary Care Trust. The charities will still maintain their individual identities, but have come together to provide a larger service offering individuals opportunities to sample different activities, develop skills and achieve qualifications.
The projects will start up over the period from December to April, depending on when the buildings will be ready.
Based at Dickerage Lane, New Malden, Kingston Community Furniture will be offering experience in warehouse management, furniture collection & delivery, cycle recycling, a Carpentry/Furniture Refurbishment Workshop and Repackaging & Recycling unit:
- The Cycle recycling will provide opportunities in general cycle maintenance and refurbishment together with training leading to accredited qualifications
- The Carpentry and furniture side will provide opportunities in general carpentry and furniture refurbishment together with training leading to accredited qualifications.
- Repackaging & Recycling Unit will provide indoor based recycling activities that follow environmental guidelines to reduce waste.
Based at Ditton Road, Surbiton, the Fircroft Trust is developing a new project that will provide a variety of different gardening and horticultural opportunities tailored to meet the needs of individuals.
These opportunities will include therapeutic, training and certification activities designed to support service users in skills development, interests and improve their quality of life.
Kingston Mind is bringing its considerable experience in dealing with mental health and learning disability issues. They will support and facilitate the charities through supervision and training.