Remake in the Community

It’s always darkest before the dawn (with a nod to Florence and the Machine)

It seems like a lifetime ago that we had to close the Scrapstore because of the pandemic. We hope that you and your loved ones have been physically and mentally well during this difficult time. As we start to emerge from lockdown, this seems like a good time to reflect on the last few months.

First and foremost, Remake is all about people and community. Although we could not continue with our normal activities, this community spirit persisted.

Some of our talented Remake members made a massive contribution to Strathearn’s “For the Love of Scrubs” sewing group, devoting more than 1200 hours of their time, and producing 187 sets of scrubs and wash bags.

We are also immensely proud of our volunteers who supported the Co-op’s home delivery service, using the Remake van to deliver food and other essential items to people who were self-isolating and vulnerable. Between them, they spent over 140 hours making more than 185 deliveries.

More recently, we have been making up, and delivering, free activity bags for children, the elderly and the isolated. Supported by Impact Funding Partners, these packs have been put together thanks to generous donations from local people as well as existing Remake stock. The idea is to add a little fun and creativity to support people’s mental health and wellbeing.

One incredibly exciting development is the news that Remake has been awarded Scottish Government funding via The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland to be a Covid-19 anchor organisation for the local community area of Strathearn and Strathallan.

What is an anchor organisation? In a nutshell, a Community Anchor is an independent community-led organisation which provides long-term solutions to local problems and challenges.

Remake is already living up to this by securing funding for Crieff ConneXions to open a Response Hub on Crieff High Street. The aim is to provide multiple services to the local community including debt counselling, support and signposting for other difficulties and a community fridge. The Response Hub will also be the location of Remake’s new Library of Things which will have a range of tools, IT equipment, household items and play equipment available to borrow.

Beyond the Response Hub, this funding will enable Remake to provide additional support to the many wonderful local groups which offer activities based around combatting loneliness and keeping people connected. One exciting new development is that Creative Crieff will be able to provide public service radio announcements through their new community radio station running both online and through FM frequency.

This unprecedented situation has been a dark and difficult time for many people but, as a community, we have much to look forward to and so much that we can achieve together.