Furniture Restoration and Social Enterprise Projects

Jean Thompson is our Social Enterprise Manager

Click here to watch Social Enterprise video

The THOMAS Social Enterprise Project is a therapeutic work programme designed to help individuals in recovery rebuild their lives, gain in confidence, self esteem and give something back to their community.

Our aim is to help our supported residents back into independent living, by increasing confidence and self resilience through practical work experience,   ownership and responsibility. However we welcome all participants and learners whether linked to our recovery programmes or not. We want to assist people to enrich their lives by therapeutic and social activity, learn a skill, make friends and improve self esteem.

 

THOMAS Furniture

THOMAS Vintage furniture shops specialise in restoring and up-cycling furniture. Our shops rely on donations of good quality unwanted furniture in saleable condition, or furniture that can undergo upcycling or shabby chic which THOMAS then offers for resale to the general public at affordable prices. Staffed predominantly by volunteers, these shops are key to the charities success as they provide valuable work experience for participants and learners while raising the necessary funds for the therapeutic programme.

With a wide and regularly changing stock, as well as local home delivery and unbeatable prices, THOMAS Vintage Furniture stores are an excellent choice for something affordable, different and unique.

What is up-cycling?

Upcycling is transforming waste materials and unwanted products into new, better quality materials or products, giving them a new life. The resulting product is then often more valuable and attractive than it was originally.

What makes THOMAS vintage stores special?

This social enterprise (THOMAS Vintage) offers real prospects for residents and learners to develop new skills and abilities, alongside volunteers from the wider community. They also gain a love of furniture and design and a belief in supporting the local community, environment and economy.

THOMAS vintage also maintains a commitment to sustainability – up-cycling old or unwanted furniture and working with donated and reclaimed materials.

 

Who does the work?

THOMAS Vintage is totally dependant on volunteers and learners, who are supported by qualified individuals. Some of the volunteers may have been affected by substance abuse, a criminal record, homelessness or missed education in the past. THOMAS vintage can provide opportunities for them to gain qualifications, socialise and more importantly integration back into society through care and creativity. One of the main benefits of THOMAS operating social enterprises is the therapeutic work activity that the enterprises can offer to our participants and those in recovery. There are so many proven and recognised health benefits from working with your hands in a productive, creative and positive way. For years people have recognised the therapeutic benefits from gardening, painting and baking etc., other practical and physical work is no different.

The Social Enterprise team who work alongside our service users have witnessed on so many occasions individuals grow and develop in confidence, skills and ability which is so rewarding and why they do the job. Please come along and visit one of our shops/workshops, you will be amazed at the quality of products and the imagination and dedication of our participants.

THOMAS Vintage Shop, 9-11 The Parade, Swinton Square Shopping Centre, Swinton, Manchester M27 4BH

 

SALFORD NOW

A charity in Salford is helping recovering drug and alcohol addicts to integrate themselves back into society through a furniture upcycling programme.

 Click here for details

 

For more information contact:  Jean Thompson: 07977 223 882

jean.thompson@thomasonline.org.uk