MadebyHandsofBritain.com Partners With Social Enterprise 'Out of the Dark' to Help Young People Succeed
Collaboration between madebyhandsofbritain.com and social enterprise Out of the Dark supports disadvantaged youth through provision of training in furniture making, restoring and other hand-making skills.
- (1888PressRelease) May 31, 2012 - Manchester - Made by Hands of Britain, the award winning online marketplace that features unique hand-crafted items from hundreds of Britain's finest artisans, is pleased to announce that it is teaming up with Out of the Dark, the social enterprise which recycles, repurposes and revamps salvaged furniture as a means to train, educate and employ young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Under the new initiative, Made by Hands of Britain, will waive site subscription fees and donate a percentage of sales back to High Wycombe based Out of the Dark.
Gillian Montegrande, founder of Made by Hands of Britain and a lifelong avid supporter of the hand-making industry and the people who operate within it, was delighted when she discovered Out of the Dark. "It took me a matter of seconds to decide that I would like to promote and support this worthy venture," she said. "Hand-making and craftsmanship is important on so many levels and the team at Out of the Dark epitomise this."
Out of the Dark is the brainchild of Jay and Jade Blades who have been operating a charity called Street Dreams for the past 11 years helping disadvantaged young people do better in life through coaching, sports, arts and media in the Thames Valley area.
Says Jade of the young protégés: "They love it! They achieve a great sense of pride, knowing that they have had a real hand in transforming something that would otherwise go to land fill or be used for firewood, into a once-again desirable, beautiful and useful product. At the same time, like the furniture, they are also being given a second chance by having their dignity, self-worth and sense of purpose restored to them, along with a whole gamut of skills, which they will be able to carry with them for the rest of their lives."
"Out of the Dark provides young people with valuable skills and a sense of direction and purpose. Encouraging them to use their hands in a positive and productive way can only be a good thing for them as individuals and society as a whole, with lasting benefits," said Gillian. "Couple this with the increasing popularity of up-cycled and handcrafted products in interior design, the collaboration between our two ventures really is a marriage made in heaven!"
Made by Hands of Britain provides inspirational items for home, garden and gifting from over 200 of Britain's finest craftspeople and artists to a discerning international clientele. The site also provides resources including information on courses and workshops for those seeking to learn a new craft or further their skills through learning from more experienced artisans.
"We also share Gillian's philosophy when it comes to learning skills from past masters, as we have several senior citizens, who willingly give of their time to teach these young people what they know. In short, we are very happy to be associated with and supported by Made by Hands of Britain and have great hope for the good that will come from our collaboration."
Find out more:
outofthedark.org.uk
madebyhandsofbritain.com
Twitter: ( @ ) MBHOB
About Made by Hands of Britain
Made by Hands of Britain is the online marketplace dedicated to showcasing and championing the heritage, traditions and today's interpretations of British craftsmanship. It aims to provide the ultimate British Art and Craft resource for those who have the skill, care, passion and dedication to produce things by hand, which are unique in style and of the finest quality, for those who aspire to and for those who want to browse, buy and enjoy the very best in handmade.
Inspirational objects for home and garden from across the art and craft spectrum can be found on the site ranging from visual arts pieces and sculpture, to jewellery and luxurious textiles and furnishings, couture clothing, interior furniture and accessories, to bird houses, garden structures, tools and ornaments, to delectable handmade cupcakes, chocolates, liqueurs, cheeses and everything in between.
Media enquiries to:
Michele (Lewis) McDermott-Fox
The Top Floor
T: 01625 502545 | M: 07729 501 369 | E: michele(at)thetopflooragency.com |
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