Research shows that taking part in creative activities can increase happiness, develop fine motor skills and logical thinking. It can expand vocabulary, stimulate the senses and improve mental health. “It is well known that creativity can be life-affirming, promote joy and wellbeing, and often takes place in settings that bring people together. These are qualities we need more than ever at the moment.” says Peter Vance of Exeter Scrapstore, a service which has been around since the 1980s.
Scrapstores collect waste and surplus materials to benefit the community, conserving resources by re-directing clean and reusable waste materials away from landfill. Items collected and swapped between stores include cardboard tubes, containers, offcuts of paper, card and textiles, paint, wallpaper, paper cups, foam, fabric, cord, ribbon and string. As long as industrial processes continue to create manufactured products on a large scale it is likely that off-cuts will, in turn, be produced and discarded. Collecting factory surplus materials for community re-use in education, play, and re-use activities is not a new idea but it is on the rise again. Less waste goes to landfill, and communities gain access to low-cost resources for schools, families and group projects.
Compound Flexibility, a theory described by Fraser Brown, Author of ‘Rethinking Children’s Play’ outlines the relevance of Loose Parts to the play experiences of children. Recognising that development through exploration and manipulation of the environment can impact self-esteem and flexibility. Scrapstores are full of Loose Parts and useful items for play and education activities. Non-prescriptive materials mean there are no limits to imaginative re-use. One home educator said “With the cost of supplies these days the Scrapstore makes things much more accessible to us.”
Climate change concerns and a looming cost of living crisis mean that finding affordable, sustainable ways to purchase materials for creative projects is becoming more challenging and Scrapstores find themselves well-placed to support their users when budgets are tight. There are five active Scrapstores in Devon at this time including South Molton, Exeter, Tavistock, Holsworthy and Plymouth. Each working as part of a network, sharing materials and supporting each other wherever possible. One way they do this is by taking part in scrap swaps together.
Joy from Plymouth Scrapstore says she thinks that demand for materials is on the rise but at the same time “some people cannot afford basics such as glue and paper at the moment”. When taking part in outreach work in the community she said “families are so grateful to have access” to such interesting scrap materials. She goes on to say “they try to inspire new ways of using materials in the store by putting artwork on their walls and building displays out of scrap.” Plymouth also offers items for hire including a sensory box, fancy dress and large games. They do outreach work, offer occasional sewing workshops and have just received funding to have an Artist in Residence and cannot wait to see what will come of the project.
The umbrella organisation Reuseful UK has worked to create a network of stores across the UK and recognises that each store is unique to its local community. Scrapstores are open to families, individuals, charities and statutory groups including Schools. They usually have a joining fee which is a one-off annual membership and supports core funding. Then a price per visit for scrap taken by overall ‘volume’ which usually means by basket, bag or trolley (roughly relating to however much scrap they can cram into a single van collection). See links to individual websites for further information.
All of the stores we spoke with mentioned challenges including the rising costs of energy, transport and premises putting pressure on their sustainability, but they say they are resourceful. Finding ways to streamline core hours, collaborating with volunteers, finding funding to support their service and responding to the community need are all ways of future proofing these valuable creative re-use initiatives.
Please follow the links below to find out more information about Devon Scrapstores and how to access them. Recycle Devon lists active stores and you will also find information about Reuse and Upcycling on the website. ReUseful UK has general information about Scrapstores and the work they do.
Exeter Scrapstore or on FB here. Open Thurs 10am-5pm, Fri 11am-4pm and Sat 10am-1pm.
Plymouth Play Scrapstore or on FB here. Open Mon to Wed 10am-4pm and Thur 10am-6pm.
YMCA South Molton or on FB here. Open Tuesdays and is run by volunteers. Volunteers also run a craft session every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month during term time. Anyone can come and have a browse and pick out whatever bits they need, open to donations.
Tavistock Scrapstore or on FB here. Open Tue, Thur, Fri and Sat from 11am-2pm.
Holsworthy Family Workshop Resource Centre or on FB here. Open Mon & Wed 9.30am-4.30pm and Sat from 9.30am-12.30pm.
The Community Insight Team can point you in the direction of advice on available funding, get in touch here – insights@devoncf.com.
