Restore boosts the economy and environment

THE Council's Restore shop, which sells restored quality second-hand household furniture and electrical items to the public at an affordable price, is benefiting the district's economy and environment in equal measure, according to a council spokesperson.

Since Restore was opened at Banbridge Community Recycling Centre in June 2009, some 30 local people - many of whom were long-term unemployed - have gained valuable on the job work experience by taking part in Restore’s training programme.

Restore Training Supervisor Tom McRoberts comments: “We offer a structured training programme that leads to nationally recognised vocational qualifications. We are particularly keen to help improve the district’s unemployment situation and have taken on many jobseekers referred to us through the Steps to Work programme, which is funded by the Department for Employment and Learning.

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“Restore is fulfilling an important social need by providing training opportunities for the unemployed.”

Many of the unemployed people who received training at Restore have enhanced their skills and greatly improved their chances of securing future employment. Restore also welcomes volunteers or young people working towards a Duke of Edinburgh Award.

This project is funded by the European Social Fund, the Department for Employment and Learning and Banbridge District Council. This funding is due to come to an end in March 2011.

However, it is hoped that Restore will be a commercially viable and fully self-sustaining enterprise by that time.