Manchester recycling scheme to help the homeless

Wednesday, August 05 2009 17:23:42 by Editor

A recycling centre in Manchester is set to offer homeless people work placements in the city in an effort to help them back into society.

The National Community Wood Recycling Project will offer placements at its centre for 13-weeks in conjunction with the Aspire Foundation.

Placements will involve collecting and recycling wood and will also have the opportunity to learn about the different types of timber and how to recognise them.

Ali Walmsley, assistant director of the scheme, said: "The project gives people an opportunity to show that they are ready for work. It also gives them the chance to prove to themselves and future employers that they are ready for work.

"Many people who come and volunteer on our projects come to us unconfident in themselves. They know they want to make a change and work but they are not confident enough to apply for a job or feel unconfident that they can hold down a job."

Up to 60 per cent of waste that is currently thrown into dustbins could be recycled, according to recycling-guide.co.uk.