SWINDON Restore has a new project manager who has big plans for the charity this year.

Ian Howard has taken over at the charity which was established in June 2011 and largely works with the unemployed and disabled in the local community, training them with skills in employment which can then be transerred into their daily lives.

Swindon Restore teamed up with global registered charity Foodbank but is a separate organisation. It relies heavily on volunteers and donations, and welcomes donations of all sorts but in particular, clothes, cans of food and furniture.

In its first year, out of 115 volunteers, at least eight were helped back into employment.

Ian said: “We’re more than just a charity shop. We sell good products at a reduced rate to directly benefit the people who are buying them.”

Ian’s main project for this year is to develop the garden behind the hall. He plans to install a greenhouse and a vegetable patch to teach unemployed volunteers gardening. As well as their regular shop, which opens Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm, Ian runs events during half term holidays on a Tuesday and a Thursday. He invites a wider age group of people in by arranging craft activities for children while their parents can browse the items.

To offer a donation of furniture, money or otherwise, email Ian.