Swindon Children's Scrapstore

Swindon Children's Scrapstore is a registered charity and community resource centre based in Swindon, Wiltshire, dedicated to providing low-cost, environmentally friendly materials for recreational, educational, and leisure activities. Founded in 1985, the organisation serves over 50,000 people annually by diverting redundant reusable materials from landfill and making them available for creative reuse within the local community[2][5].

Purpose and Activities

The Scrapstore operates as a social enterprise focusing on the collection, storage, and redistribution of reusable waste materials for use in arts, crafts, play, and educational projects. It supports schools, community groups, families, and individuals, particularly those on low incomes, by supplying affordable materials that stimulate creativity and imagination. The organisation is recognized for helping people beat the rising cost of living by offering inexpensive resources, ranging from craft supplies to office furniture and computing equipment[1][2][5].

Annually, Swindon Children's Scrapstore diverts approximately 250 tonnes of reusable materials from landfill sites, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. The charity also provides volunteering and work placement opportunities, helping individuals gain skills, confidence, and self-esteem[2].

Governance and Structure

Swindon Children's Scrapstore is governed by a Management Committee composed of volunteers and overseen by a team of trustees who provide strategic vision and guidance. The charity employs five part-time staff members who manage day-to-day operations and supervise around 15 regular part-time volunteers. Olivia McCann has led the organisation for over two decades, earning recognition such as the 'Pride of Swindon' Award for her leadership[2].

The current trustees include Simon Cheney (Secretary), Sarah Connell (Governance), and Sally Huggins (Committee Member). The organisation's developments and direction are driven by member demand and are governed by its constitution[2].

Impact and Community Engagement

Swindon Children's Scrapstore is an important community hub that encourages creativity, community involvement, and waste reduction. By facilitating the reuse of materials, the charity helps reduce environmental impact while supporting local families and organisations. Its projects enhance access to affordable resources that might otherwise be inaccessible, fostering inclusivity and creativity across diverse groups within Swindon[1][2][5].

Charity Registration

Swindon Children's Scrapstore is registered with the Charity Commission under the charity number 1168574. Its status as a registered charity reinforces its commitment to community benefit and environmental sustainability[3][4].

This article summarizes the key aspects of Swindon Children's Scrapstore, highlighting its role as a community-focused charity that promotes resourcefulness, environmental responsibility, and social inclusion in Swindon.

[1] https://www.scrapstore.co.uk [2] https://www.scrapstore.co.uk/about [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5084420 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/1032200 [5] https://charity.ebay.co.uk/charity/i/Swindon-Children's-Scrapstore/164052