Partner
Home Basics is delighted to announce that it has successfully secured funding to launch an exciting new Scottish Borders Reuse & Community Workshop Programme, helping to expand opportunities for local people to learn practical repair, reuse and upcycling skills while supporting communities and protecting the environment.
The project has been funded by Scottish Ministers through the Local Action Group, under the national Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Fund.
Building on almost 25 years of supporting people across the Scottish Borders with affordable furniture and household goods, while preventing tonnes of items going to landfill each year, the pilot represents an important step in Home Basics’ continued development as both a charity and social enterprise, and ongoing commitment to creating a positive impact in Scottish Borders communities.
The project will deliver a programme of practical workshops, community engagement activities and volunteer development opportunities focused on repair, reuse, upcycling and environmental sustainability. Participants will have the opportunity to develop new skills, build confidence, reduce household costs and learn more about the benefits of the circular economy.
Alongside practical learning opportunities, the pilot project will strengthen partnerships with local organisations, housing providers and community groups, helping more people access support while encouraging greater reuse and reducing waste across the region.
As part of the project, Home Basics is recruiting a Reuse & Community Workshop Lead to develop the initial pilot, currently advertised on recruitment websites and via Home Basics’ own website and communication channels.
Shauna Cunningham, Business Manager at Home Basics, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to receive this funding and would like to thank Scottish Ministers, Scottish Borders Council and the Local Action Group for their support. This investment allows us to build on the work Home Basics has delivered over almost 25 years, while exploring new ways of engaging with our communities.
This pilot programme is about much more than reuse and repair. It’s about giving people practical skills, increasing confidence, reducing waste, supporting people experiencing financial hardship and creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We’re looking forward to welcoming a dedicated Workshop Programme Lead to help bring this exciting project to life and work with partners and communities across the Borders.”
The programme will initially focus on testing different workshop formats and community engagement activities, helping Home Basics understand where demand is greatest and how future services can best meet the needs of communities across the Scottish Borders.
If successful, Home Basics hopes this project will become the foundation for an expanded programme of regular repair, reuse and upcycling workshops, skills development opportunities and community events, creating a lasting community resource that promotes reuse, supports wellbeing and helps reduce environmental impact for years to come.
Recruitment for the Reuse & Community Workshop Lead is now underway and further information about the workshops, dates, volunteering opportunities and ways to get involved will be announced over the coming weeks through Home Basics’ website and Facebook pages (Walkerburn and Hawick).
