Press Release

Textile group going from rags to riches

Alabaré’s textile recycling group, Mad About Green, is going from strength to strength thanks to an £8000 grant.

Mad About Green is a project run by Alabaré for people with enduring mental health problems.  They take old and unwanted fabrics and materials and give them a new lease of life by turning them into unique handbags and cushions and selling them on.

Only a few months ago the group was facing closure due to a lack of funding, but a grant of £8210 from Community First’s Rural Regeneration Small Project’s Fund they managed to secure themselves for another six months.

The money will help cover the costs of running the workshops until the end of March, as well as enable them to buy more sewing machines and materials so that they can increase the amount of items they’re able to produce. 

The idea is for the group to work towards becoming a Social Enterprise, meaning that they will be able to become self-sufficient and survive on the money made from the sale of the goods that they make.

The items are then sold at Alabaré table sales and other events and via the online shop at www.alabare.co.uk.  They are also approaching a number of shops and galleries to see if they will sell some Mad About Green products on their behalf.

They have just managed to sell some items to the Lantern Workshop near Ringwood and are looking into the idea of holding a one-day event at the Fisherton Mill in Salisbury.

Mad About Green Facilitator Sara Little said “We were all absolutely delighted with our grant from the Small Projects Fund.  Without their help our project would probably no longer exist, which would have been a great shame for all involved.  We are extremely grateful to them for their support”

She added “We are also over the moon to have some of out products on sale at the Lantern Workshop in Ringwood and hope to increase the number of places that our unique items are available.”

Despite the great progress made, the group still faces a lack of funding at the end of March and is still looking for suitable donors or sponsors.  They are also looking for other local shops to show their support and stock some of their products.  If you are able to help or would like to find out more, contact Stewart Mustard on 01722 322882.

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For more information or to arrange an interview call Lara Higgins on 01722 344484

Alabaré Christian Care Centres is a regional charity, providing a range of services including supported housing, floating support services, drop-in centres, information, advice and training services and a registered care home.  The charity works with the homeless, ex-offenders, young people, individuals with a learning difficulty, vulnerable women and people with drug and alcohol problems, aiming to assist them with realising their potential and becoming valued members of society.  www.alabare.co.uk