A social initiative, which helps people in Swansea recovering from addiction, has launched a new enterprise at Quadrant Shopping Centre selling wooden items hand crafted by the very people who benefit from the organisation.
The market stall from Cyfle i Dyfu (Chance to Grow), will be at Quadrant Shopping Centre every month, offering a variety of beautiful handmade products – including chopping boards, benches and tables – which are all carved out of locally sourced timber.
Lisa Hartley, Quadrant Shopping Centre manager, said:
“Cyfle i Dyfu’s first stall in the centre proved a huge success, with dozens of shoppers placing orders for its wonderfully crafted wares that were on show. The excellent quality of each and every piece is clear to see, and we’re thrilled that Quadrant Shopping Centre customers were so keen to buy them.”
Cyfle i Dyfu is a self-funded programme which was set up in August 2010 and since it began has worked with more than 30 people getting them back into employment. Not only does it support individuals who are in recovery, it also offers places to those who have been serving time in prison as well as those with mental health issues and learning disabilities. Everyone who takes part has the chance to complete OCN (Open College Network) qualifications and learn basic carpentry skills.
Andrew Soroka, founder of Cyfle i Dyfu, said:
“We set out to offer an opportunity to vulnerable people from in and around Swansea which would help enable and empower them. We not only give them work experience, but we also allow them to gain independence. So far, we have had 80 people use our services and the number is rising.
“We are very grateful to Quadrant Shopping Centre for its support and we have a fantastic position there to promote all that we do. Our launch was an incredible success, generating more than £2,500 of orders, which will help us to continue to make a difference.”
Cyfle i Dyfu will be at the centre this Friday – 4 May. Shoppers will be able to browse items available to buy and can place orders with Andrew on the day.
For more information on the enterprise please go to www.cyfle-i-dyfu.co.uk.
