Home / Business and Economy / Scrapstore Faces Closure Amidst Funding Crisis
Scrapstore Faces Closure Amidst Funding Crisis
23 Jun
Summary
- A charity reusing scrap materials for creative clubs faces closure due to funding issues.
- Local businesses donate materials transformed into costumes and decorations.
- Rising rents and costs threaten the service used by over 500 local families.
Scrapstore North Bristol, a unique charity that repurposes scrap materials donated by local businesses, is currently facing a critical funding crisis that could lead to its closure. The organization collects items ranging from fabric offcuts to costume pieces, providing them at low cost to after-school clubs, drama groups, and nursery schools.
Businesses like Cameron Balloons and Ikea contribute materials that are creatively reused for everything from fancy dress costumes to stage sets. Professional magician Jayne Townley and crafter Deborah Smith highlight the charity's importance for cost-effective creative projects and fundraising for other causes.
Manager Laura Jones, with 13 years at the charity, notes that over 500 local families rely on Scrapstore North Bristol for affordable creative play resources, particularly in an area with limited disposable income. Despite support from foundations and low customer fees of £12 per basket, escalating operational costs and a 10% rent increase pose an existential threat.
The potential closure of Scrapstore North Bristol after years of service would be a significant loss, leaving many children and community groups without a valuable resource for creative expression and upcycling.
