OVER 300 people visited the Scrapstore event at Cheese & Grain on Saturday November 26th to help raise nearly £1,400 for The Pod charity that supports children and young people with additional needs.
Organisers say, “Frome community groups, schools, nurseries, parents and carers as well as anyone out for art materials came along to hunt for bargains. The Pod started this project in response to members seeking work experience and employment in the community who are finding this really difficult.
“Frome mayor, cllr Sara Butler, was interested in how the Scrapstore idea came about and Pod members explained how it was their idea, initiated through a discussion in their club nearly three years ago. Since then, the project has grown, from the first event which saw 45 people attending, to where it is now.”
Pod have recently appointed a Scrapstore co-ordinator, Kate Storey, to help manage the project. The charity is collecting materials which would otherwise be heading for landfill from retail, manufacturing and households. The search continues to look for a suitable permanent premises for the project and Pod are hopeful that they will find this in Frome soon.
Pod representative Becky Bird explained, “It is important for people who attend to remember that this is about supporting individuals in our community with developing their confidence and skills as well as providing a resource for the town. That also means customers being patient with our volunteers who may have hidden disabilities and require a little more time or support to manage a task. But the learning in this project is huge and hopefully the benefits will be greater opportunities for adults with additional needs and members being employed locally.”
Look out for the next Scrapstore in January.
Date and venue to be confirmed and will be promoted on social media by Frome Town Council and on the town notice boards.
To donate Scrap please contact scrapstore@thepodcharity.org.uk
