Nilesh Patel from Forest Recycling Project on the relaunch of a long-running social enterprise
Our long-running social enterprise Forest Recycling Project (FRP) has relaunched with the help of Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy.
FRP is a small charitable social enterprise with both environmental and social impacts and has been running for nearly 30 years.
We promote recycling and reuse of various products including paint, timber and fabric, providing volunteering opportunities for disadvantaged adults.
We held a relaunch party at our base in Bakers Arms to introduce the newly refurbished shop and latest stock of reclaimed products.
Supporters of the social enterprise and members of the local community were invited to join in the festivities, as well as watch the ribbon cutting by Stella. With food and drinks provided and lots of eco-friendly recycled goods on sale including wildlife boxes and paint, a large turnout helped us celebrate a new chapter in the FRP story.
Stella said: “The Forest Recycling Project is a key member of the local social enterprise movement in East London. They have both a tremendous social and environmental impact within the community.”
As well as redistributing reusable materials back into the local community, FRP also provides plenty of important volunteering opportunities. Our latest project ‘Waltham Forest Foundations’ is a Big Lottery funded project which focuses on supporting volunteers, especially those who are at risk of marginalisation and social exclusion. The team works alongside them and provides the opportunity to experience the sustainability sector.
It is a great opportunity to learn and experience different green jobs and sustainable activities, as well as meeting new people in a safe environment. We often see a real improvement in our volunteers’ confidence levels and their wellbeing, with a percentage then going on to gain employment.
To find out more about Forest Recycling Project or current volunteering opportunities:
Call 0208 539 3856
Visit frponline.org.uk/waltham-forest-foundations
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