Students from St. Conor’s College, Claudy, visited ReStore Ballymena, the low-cost DIY Store that builds sustainable communities, to belatedly celebrate World DIY Day (2 nd April).
Led by ReStore Volunteer Coordinator Matt Robinson, 6 th form students engaged in hands- on DIY activities designed to impart essential skills which will be useful as they look towards moving out on their own. Students got stuck into this interactive workshop – assembling flat – pack furniture; decorating a typical student room as well as learning some toolbox basics
and ‘renter friendly’ tips and tricks. They also got the opportunity to hear about Habitat’s work and ReStore’s focus on reuse, repurposing and sustainability.
ReStore is Habitat for Humanity Ireland’s the social enterprise that is directly tackling poverty and building sustainable communities. ReStore provides access to low-cost home improvement materials for local people, employability training for people of all abilities and diverts tons of material from landfill.
Isobel Kerr, ReStore Ballymena Manager, said “It was great to welcome young people to ReStore to belatedly celebrate ‘World DIY Day’. Every year, ReStores across the country divert more than 1,500 tonnes of reusable materials from landfill, and more than 90,000 local people are able to access low-cost materials to improve their home.”
“With support from The Gallaher Trust, ReStore Ballymena is also able to offer ‘Foundations at ReStore’ free, practical and accessible courses accredited by OCN NI. Local people can learn the skills needed to thrive in retail, learn some basic DIY skills or take some time to think about their personal wellbeing.”
ReStore’s next ‘Basic DIY Skills’ one-day course is running on Friday 26th April, 9:30am – 1:30pm. Sign up here: www.habitatireland.org/foundations. Learn more about how you can get involved at ReStore: habitatireland.org/restore