Lottery grant boost means jobs for Moray Reach Out

A MORAY-based social enterprise has won lottery backing to fund two posts.

Moray Reach Out (MRO), which provides training opportunities for vulnerable adults at sites in Buckie, Elgin and Lossiemouth, are celebrating being able to create two 25-a-week posts at their HQ on East Church Street, Buckie for the next three years.

One post will focus on the social enterprise's wool spinning project while the other will focus on upcycling.

Part of the funding – £7000 – will go towards purchasing equipment and other resources, such as tools and work benches, to help MRO produce their own goods.

Some of these products are already selling well and can be seen at the organisation's 23 East Church Street base and include handspun wool, handwoven rugs, insect hotels, planters, herb boxes and seed trays, all made by MRO trainees and project assistants.

In a further boost for the organisation, the success of the Art Yarn (spinning) and upcycling projects in offering work placements and producing saleable products has seen MRO Spinning and Upcycling project manager Jon Reeve's post made permanent.

Mr Reeve said: "I knocked on the door of Moray Reach Out five years ago, with a little gem of an idea, that I thought would fit into the ethos of the charity.

"This is taking fleece from Shetland sheep and spinning into quality wool for sale in MRO wool shop, all this done with the help of adults with learning difficulties (trainees) and volunteers. We trialled the project, it worked. The progressive nature of MRO attracted lottery funding to support the wool project and to deliver a wood upcyling project, turning old pallets into useful garden and household furnishings."

MRO General and Business Development Manager Shona Radojkovic said that the funding would help the charity attain its goal of long-term sustainability.

"Both projects but in particular the spinning project has been very successful for mental health referrals and actually for mental wellbeing for all who participate in it," she continued.

"It is very therapeutic and the atmosphere is very welcoming and inclusive.

"MRO is delighted that Jon will become a permanent member of the team, he is a great asset to MRO. I hope that the two new posts will likewise lead to permanent positions. We always look at sustainability when developing new projects though it will be down to the individuals to help make it happen.

"For almost three years now we have seen the two projects develop, supporting many Trainees and producing high quality products that are sold far and wide. We can even claim to being international, with wool sales as far afield as USA and Australia as well as supporting retail outlets in Scotland.

"Success breeds success. We are now in the position, with great thanks to the National Lottery, to offer two paid positions to continue with the development of these two exciting projects. The opportunities and endless, to not only consolidate our current work , but develop new products and ideas that will have the long-term benefit of supporting trainees to reach fulfilment in their lives."

The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still, added: “National Lottery funding can make amazing things happen in local communities across the country.

"This project delivered by MRO, is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause or to help others. National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is helping to support this vital work and to help communities thrive.”

For more information on the posts, and to apply, email info@morayreachout.org.uk

The deadline for applications is Monday, April 4.