People with experience of homelessness are learning to create new products out of reclaimed wood to reduce landfill waste, in the wake of COP26.
Emmaus Glasgow residents who also work in the charity’s shops and social enterprises are turning discarded objects into unique furniture and Christmas decorations.
Some of the upcycled items include decorative Christmas trees, festive stars and coffee tables from pallets, as well as reclaimed whiskey barrel planters.
Nigel Higgins is an Emmaus resident taking part in the project.
Originally from Ireland, he was brought up in Wigan, Lancashire.
After dealing with addiction for 15 years, he attended a rehabilitation programme in Motherwell.
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He said: “This will definitely help me in the future, you know, we’re making things like furniture for people’s gardens out of bed slats and stuff.
“It’s really, really good, and I've learned numerous skills that I didn't have before.
Nigel was homeless for six months before receiving help at Emmaus Glasgow, where he now works as a van driver and shop assistant.
“It's been amazing, you know, the help and support that I receive have been just exceptional,” he added.
“I feel privileged to be a part of this.”
Director of Emmaus Glasgow Richard Allwood said: “The idea is that by repairing and upscaling items we are giving them a new life and at the same time reducing landfill waste.
“It's also given us something that we can sell in the shops which is unique and also environmentally friendly.”
The upcycling workshop is organised by the homeless charity, in partnership with Maryhill community woodworking project, Boomerang.
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Every week, four Emmaus residents will attend the training for a full day, under the supervision of a trained Boomerang workshop manager.
He added: “It’s all part of our core values, protecting the environment while helping our residents gain new skills and doing meaningful work.
“It could be a mix of people that already have some expertise, but also, it means anybody moving in that doesn't have the confidence or the skills to do any of these things, will be able to learn them.”
The project is funded through the Scottish Government’s Adapt & Thrive grant.
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