Edventure Frome, a leader in community-led initiatives, is working on a new project to develop a DIY Materials Shop in Frome – and they need your help.
The team is now inviting the community to suggest potential locations to trial the new venture.
The shop aims to sell high-quality, surplus DIY materials to members of the public, turning potential waste, which often ends up in recycling centres, into valuable community resources.
Over the past few weeks, Edventure has been supporting a team of adult learners working on the project as part of their Incubation Course, which teaches social enterprise skills using a learning-by doing approach. The course guides participants through the process of designing, building and piloting a real social enterprise that makes a positive local impact on the community.
The DIY Shop will stock surplus building materials and home accessories at a reduced price, with materials sourced from the surplus of local building companies, DIY stores and members of the community. It will also support the community by teaching DIY skills and promoting repairs.
“The DIY Materials Shop is not just about reducing waste; it’s about rethinking how we use resources and providing practical solutions that can sustain our community,” says Sam Evans, co-executive director of Edventure Frome.
“This initiative will help reduce the influx of usable materials to recycling centres, while also providing an additional income stream to support the ongoing community work of Edventure.”
To bring this vision to life, Edventure Frome is asking if any local businesses or community members can offer a secure, covered space approximately four by eight metres in size or larger, with parking, for a trial run of the shop. This space will be used in late June to test the concept over a weekend or for longer, if possible.
“We are looking for community partners who share our vision for a sustainable future and can provide a space where we can pilot this exciting project,” says Sam. “This is a fantastic opportunity for local property owners to engage in a community-focused initiative that has the potential to make a significant impact.”
If you have a space that could host the DIY Materials Shop, or if you would like to get involved in other ways, please contact Colin at colin@edventurefrome.org for more details.
