March 27, 2024
Spotlight on: REMAKE Valleys
REMAKE Valleys has opened its door in 2023 , bringing a combined Library of Things and permanent repair space to the second location in Wales.
The original REMAKE opened in Newport in 2021, and is a collaborative project between Repair Café Wales and Benthyg Cymru.
The ReMake team received funding from WCVA to support other communities across Wales to open their own Re:Makes.
First to pick up the baton and get their REMAKE open were Dant Y Llew in Rhondda Cynnon Taf.
In this spotlight on piece, Nova Barton, a director of Dant y Llew introduces us to their fantastic project:
Tell us about Dant Y llew
Dant Y Llew CIC are a diverse group made up of a board of 7: 6 women and 1 man, 4 identifying as disabled, 2 identifying as LGBTQ+, 2 identifying as neuro diverse, and 1 identifying as a stand-up comedian.
Dant Y Llew came together to fill a gap in provision for those with additional needs facing barriers to employment. Considered an area of high deprivation, supporting community access to the things they needed was a no brainer.
We wanted to provide a zero-waste shop with a difference, selling recognisable produce at affordable prices whilst being packaging free. Filling the gap between the supermarkets and the food banks and making climate action accessible to those on low incomes.
We happened upon Benthyg Cymru after seeing a news item on a Libraries of Things, we knew that this was something we needed to include in our project. This led us to REMAKE Newport and to us launching under the trading name of Re:Make Valleys.
How did you get going?
Once we established our partnership with Re:Make Newport we were in receipt of the support from Fran and Katie, this has been invaluable to us establishing our brand and project. We have received support in accessing much needed funding, access to the fabulous Benthyg Toolkit, and above everything else having an outlet to vent when things haven't gone to plan.
“We are truly proud to be a REMAKE”
What have been your biggest challenges? And biggest opportunities?
Our biggest challenges have been time and staff resource, it is so important to have the right team around you.
Our biggest wins were of course the launch of the project, and successful funding bid of £150,000 from Pen Y Cymoedd Wind Farm Fund. This has given us the opportunity to create three jobs. One full time and two part time, for local people.
What now?
Our hopes for the project are that we are able to continue to serve the community, that we can welcome those with additional needs to gain experience in the workplace in confidence.
We hope to be able to work with other local community groups to establish a network of click and collect sites across the Rhondda and Cynon Valleys.
