Upcycling Assistant
About the opportunity
Volunteers are needed to assist with the refurbishment of furniture and other household items. Volunteers will need to have had some experience in either DIY, re-upholstery, decoupage, and 'shabby chic' items. Volunteers will be part of an expanding team with room for new creative ideas and input.
The project offers a supportive working atmosphere with a strong sense of community. Volunteers receive varied work experience and on the job training with the aim of assisting people back into paid work. The project also helps with this by providing support with job applications and CV writing. There are also potential opportunities to complete NVQs and other formal training.
Upcycling Assistants will;
- Re-upholster a wide range of items such as chairs, tables and picture frames
- Work with Annie Sloan paint to achieve a 'shabby chic' finish on donated goods
- Learn to use up-to-date upcycling techniques such as decoupage to add value to items
- Maintain a clean and safe working environment in the workshop
- Carry out basic DIY and minor repairs to furniture
- Select furniture and other items from the showroom for refurbishment
- Sort and arrange upcycled goods attractively for display
- Participate in any training required such as Health and Safety
- Assist project with training new upcycling staff on workshop procedures and techniques
About SOFA
Sofa is a Registered Charity originally set up to provide low cost furniture to those in need with additional benefits of providing work experience and training for individuals seeking employment. Just as important now is our role in recycling and re-use by making effective use of donated furniture and reducing landfill.
What are they looking for?
A positive and friendly attitude, a willingness to learn new skills and to work in a cooperative manner is essential. Previous experience and qualifications are not required but are useful. All volunteers must be able to manage their own responsibilities and work under their own initiative. Volunteers cannot be guaranteed to be supervised at all times. They must also be able to work as part of a team and possess good communication skills to deal with members of the general public. Above all else volunteers must be reliable and committed to the project.
Practical Considerations
From Loughborough railway station head towards the town centre over the canal bridge along Nottingham Road. SOFA is located on the right, on the corner of Clarence Street.
From Loughborough town centre walk towards Derby Road. Turn right onto Derby Road and then turn left onto Nottingham Road. Follow Nottingham Road down until you reach Sofa on the left, on the corner of Clarence Street.
