It’s National Volunteers Week in the UK (1 June – 7 June 2021) and we would like to show our biggest thanks and gratitude to those who make our paint reuse vision possible.
Community RePaint is a network of more than 65 schemes that collect surplus, reusable paint and re-distribute it to individuals, families, and communities in need, improving the wellbeing of people and the appearance of places across the UK.
Volunteers have a huge impact on our network. Many of our schemes are run or supported by volunteers. Every day there are groups of volunteers making the most of the low-cost paint available through Community RePaint the UK’s paint reuse network, brightening spaces and lives in their communities.
The COVID-19 pandemic bought numerous hurdles for Community RePaint schemes, and given social distancing measures and the combination of postponements or cancellations of most operations, the traditional form of in-person volunteering was put to a halt for many.
However, despite this, over 230 staff and volunteers worked at our Community RePaint schemes last year, helping redistribute 250,749 litres of leftover paint. We also saw amazing events like the Cheltenham Paint Festival use recycled paint from Community RePaint Wirral to brighten the streets.
Community RePaint Wigan is awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
Staff and volunteers at The Brick, who host Community RePaint Wigan have been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
The charity has a team of 148 volunteers, who in the last 12 months alone have volunteered for 17,424 hours. They work across a range of services including a food bank, retail, supporting people the charity works with, delivering food parcels and of course, reusing leftover paint within the local community.
Louise Green, CEO at The Brick, said: “To have been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is extremely humbling and is testament to the inspirational work that all of our incredible volunteers do. Quite simply, we couldn’t do what we do without them and I and all of the team at The Brick are delighted that their hard work has been recognised.”
We want to say big thank you and well done to the team at The Brick.
Interested in volunteering?
The majority of our Community RePaint schemes provide volunteering opportunities. Our schemes work with local volunteering and referral organisations but they also welcome direct enquiries. If you are interested in volunteering at a scheme, please contact them directly to discuss what is available.
Volunteering with Community RePaint at a scheme is a great way to develop your skills, especially if you are interested in paint, decorating or reuse. Many of our volunteers have found routes into employment through their roles. In addition, there are a number of other benefits. Voluntary activity within the community is associated with better health, lower crime, improved educational performance and greater life satisfaction.
