A Cornish Social Enterprise who are part of the National Drug and Alcohol Charity: Addaction, are introducing a new range of eclectic and unique furniture under the banner of RE:SOURCE Vintage.
RE:SOURCE, working together with Addaction, aim to help people who have hit one of life's stumbling blocks, to gain confidence, self-worth, work experience, new skills and a unique chance to rebuild or progress their lives. They do this through offering work placements in a busy reuse centre which helps to prevent tonnes of furniture, appliances and bikes from ending up in landfill.
The new RE:SOURCE Vintage range currently includes original furniture pieces from the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s, in ‘Funky Retro’, ‘Timeless Classics’ and ‘Vintage Chic’ styles. Taking inspiration from key trends the social enterprise has put together an impressive collection of furniture that, although sourced from days gone by, has been brought up to date by their talented team of volunteers.
The RE:SOURCE Vintage range has enabled volunteers and trainees at the social enterprise to take part in a creative process from start to finish. Each item of furniture has been cherry-picked for its individuality or a particularly charming focal point. The volunteers and trainees, with guidance from experienced employees, decide what styling and colours to use to enhance the furniture and then get to learn about more involved techniques such as sanding, waxing, french polishing, oiling, painting and stencilling.
The volunteers and trainees at RE:SOURCE Vintage then spend much time and effort getting it right, showing a lot of vision, patience and dedication towards completing the final spruced up piece, ready to go on sale, to homes across the country.
Grant, the RE:SOURCE operations manager, says: “We work with a real mix of people including offenders, people with mental health problems, those struggling with addictions, people who are unemployed or have been made redundant and young adults who have struggled with school and traditional education options.
“The work that they can do on the RE:SOURCE Vintage range presents a real challenge and something for new volunteers to aspire towards. It is very satisfying to see the enjoyment and personal pride each of our volunteers and trainees takes in the final finished item and to know that we have broadened their horizons when looking towards future training or qualifications and employment.”
Customers purchasing a RE:SOURCE Vintage product get an original piece of furniture with lots of history, added to by the unique circumstances of the person that has worked on the piece. Plus RE:SOURCE Vintage customers directly support the volunteers and trainees that RE:SOURCE work with, as all the money made is reinvested to assist with their training, allowing the provision of a safe environment of work placements in carpentry, electrical, administration, logistics, retail, sales, and customer service focussed roles.
Keith, an Addaction Service User who first volunteered and then worked in the wood workshop, says: “One of the most important things I am getting from the supported placement is a sense of structure to my life again. Being at work really helps take my mind off drinking. It’s also great learning new skills. I was a qualified welder/fabricator before but learning about carpentry has been really worthwhile. Learning something new can be a huge boost to your confidence.”
The full RE:SOURCE Vintage range of gorgeous, original furniture pieces can be delivered across the UK and can be seen online.They will soon be available on the high street within a new store in St Austell, Cornwall.
