Ipswich-based tool charity, Tools with a Mission, to host volunteer open day

Ipswich-based charity, Tools with a Mission (TWAM), is looking for new volunteers to help them send nearly 500 tonnes of donated refurbished tools to African skills training centres. To encourage people to come and learn more about volunteering, they are hosting an open day on Thursday 6th July from 10:30am to 12:30pm and 13:30pm to 15:30pm at their Ipswich headquarters located at 2 Bailey Close, Hadleigh Road Industrial Estate, Ipswich, IP2 0UD.

During the open day, visitors will receive guided tours of the centre and can speak to staff and other volunteers to discover more about the TWAM volunteering experience. There will also be plenty of tea and cake available. Anyone interested can simply walk into the centre on the day. Tours will take place every half an hour, starting at 11am and 2pm after a lunch break.

TWAM is mostly a volunteer-led organisation, with many opportunities available. Volunteers help in various ways, such as unloading tool deliveries, sorting tools into suitable categories, refurbishing tools and packing kits (haberdashery, sewing machines, carpentry tools, mechanics tools, etc.), helping in the office, and loading containers.

TWAM opened a large new refurbishment centre last year in Rugby, which will double their capacity to refurbish and send tools. This year, they plan to send a total of 24 containers, filled with nearly 500 tonnes of refurbished tools, to skills centres in Africa. Now, more than ever, the charity needs volunteers to help them with every step of the process. Whether volunteers give half a day per week or even multiple days, their support will have a huge impact.

Trevor Maynard, the Ipswich Refurbishment Centre Manager, says: “Volunteering with TWAM is a rewarding experience that offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Whether it's helping to sort donated tools, packing kits or helping with office work, our volunteers are essential to our work and play a critical role in changing lives across Africa. We couldn't do what we do without them, and we are always excited to welcome new volunteers to our team!”

About Tools with a Mission
TWAM has been sending refurbished donated tools to Africa and keeping them out of UK landfills since 1984. The tools are packed into trade kits and sent to local organisations that teach vulnerable members of society valuable skills such as carpentry, tailoring, and mechanics. These skills give them the power to generate their own income and start their own careers, ending the cycle of poverty and maintaining their independence.

For more information about the event or to arrange an interview, please contact James Noble, Fundraising and Communications, on 07738494005 or email jamesn@twam.uk. For more information about the charity and what we do, visit our website www.twam.uk, or our Facebook and Instagram (@toolswithamission).