A LOCAL charity is running a new class which aims to give people a new skill to help them in life.

The Restore charity shop, which is the sister charity of the Swindon Foodbank, has set up the sessions to teach basic woodwork skills.

Located on Whitbourne Avenue, there is a workshop is equipped with a table saw, sanding machinery and drills, as well as a variety of hand tools.

There is enough work bench space for up to 4 volunteers to be tutored by the workshop supervisor.

Previously this space has been used on an ad hoc basis but now there is a supervisor in place, Restore want to use the workshop to further their vison statement.

Project Manager of Restore Ian Howard said, “We are excited at this new development as it is something that we have wanted to do for a long time.

“The workshop supervisor Zak, is busy building items that we hope to sell in local garden centres and gift shops.

“These include coat racks made out of spoons and forks, wine rack and planters for the garden. We are looking to instruct our volunteers, many of whom are unemployed, to build their skill base and self-confidence. In time this should help them to return to the world of full time work.”

Any money which is raised from selling the items is put back into the charity.

Funding to get the workshop off the ground was initially provided by Zurich, which means there is enough cash to last until the end of March next year.

Ian is now looking for an organisation to come forward to provide funding from beyond that time. On top of that, he is looking to see if there are any people in the local area with woodworking skills who would be willing to give a small amount of time to help.

“The project is now two months into the six month funding and Restore are looking for other financial backers who would want to invest in the start that has already been made,” said Ian.

“We are also looking for retired people with wood working skills to come into the workshop for a few hours a week to support Zak and to help mentor the volunteers, as well as local retailers who would be prepared to stock the finished products.”

Anyone who feels that they could help meet any of these needs should contact Ian Howard on 01793 978045 or write to ian@swindonrestore.co.uk.