Garvald celebrates Gorgie refurb with shipment of tools to Malawi

Friday June 24th 2022

Hawa-Golos-using-Singer-Sewing-machine-sent-over-by-Garvald

Hawa Golos using Singer Sewing machine sentover by Garvald.



Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson

Garvald Edinburgh, a charity that provides creative spaces and support for adults with disabilities, today (23rd June) celebrated a major refurbishment of its facilities in the Gorgie area of the city as members sent off their latest shipment of tools and equipment to support adults with disabilities in Malawi in south-east Africa.

The £750,000 refurbishment, started two and a half years ago, has seen members involved in the design process to ensure more modern and accessible facilities, helping create an environment in which members have had input in creating.

Garvald has 230 members across five sites, including Gorgie.

Despite the disruption of Covid and the building work, Gorgie’s “Tools workshop” has seen the donation of a large shipment of equipment such as hand tools and sewing machines as part of the Tools and Training for Livelihood in Malawi project, run by The Global Concerns Trust and funded by The Scottish Government. Garvald members are involved in the collection of tools as well as sorting and restoring them, ready for a new life in Malawi, using the skills the have gained

Garvald’s CEO, Mike Casey, said, “It was important our members are now able to fully access the support and creative activities they enjoy after our services were disrupted for so long. Opening our doors wide once again has allowed our members to re engage with their creative work which is so important. With the refurbishment of Gorgie they can now do this in a much improved space.

“Involving our members in planning the building refurbishment at Gorgie has allowed us to create an environment which is much lighter, brighter and much more accessible and one which I hope they feel very much part of creating. Being involved in the tools project means our members are able to make a positive contribution globally and feel a part of something special.

“By supporting members to develop craft skills such as weaving, pottery and woodwork; making beautiful hand crafted items for exhibitions or for sale in our shop, or working daily on deliveries to local shops from our bakery, members find their own place in the Garvald creative community and through this to the wider community.”

Garvald Tools workshop is still looking for donations of tools, particularly old Singer sewing machines, as well as garden and woodworking tools. Feel free to call us directly on 0131 516 5114

More information can be found on the charity’s website www.garvaldedinburgh.org.uk

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