Empowering Women through Sewing: Angela's Story
Meet Angela, a strong and determined single mother who is fighting to provide for her family. Angela's journey has been one of resilience...
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Who We Are
We are a Christian charity that collects unwanted usable tools, refurbishes them, sorts them into trade tool kits and sends them to the developing world for livelihood creation.
We send around 16 containers filled with a total of around 225 tonnes of tools every year. These tools range from sewing machines and knitting machines to carpentry tools and mechanics tools. Read more about the impact of tools on our blog.
Our Impact
Our primary goal is to empower African communities by providing skills centres with livelihood-creating tools. Our carefully curated selection of tools equips recipients with the means to generate income, create their own businesses, and foster a sense of independence.
But the impact of our work extends beyond these immediate benefits. By supporting African livelihoods, we contribute to the fight against poverty and its ripple effects. Additionally, our efforts have far-reaching implications for UK communities and the environment, as we promote sustainable living practices and reduce waste. Join us in our mission to make a positive impact on the world.
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The impact in Africa
We send our toolkits to community groups that provide training to their members on how to effectively use them.
These toolkits serve as a valuable resource that empowers trainees to become self-sufficient upon graduating from their course.
Our beneficiaries include vulnerable individuals who may be in abusive relationships or unable to work due to their family circumstances. These community groups provide them with a safe space to connect with others, learn new skills, and ultimately transform their lives. By equipping individuals with the tools they need to succeed, we help break the cycle of poverty and empower communities to thrive.
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The impact in the UK
We provide a range of volunteering opportunities for individuals in the UK, particularly those who may be lonely or vulnerable. Volunteering with TWAM not only offers a sense of purpose but also provides a supportive community where volunteers feel valued and cared for.
Our dedicated team of over 400 volunteers play a crucial role in our operations, driving our vans, collecting tools from the public, refurbishing them in our refurbishment centre, and assisting with administrative tasks in the office, among other roles.
Simply put, our volunteers are the backbone of our organisation and we are immensely grateful for their contributions. Join our community of volunteers today and make a meaningful impact in the world.
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The impact on Earth
We promote reuse as a way to combat climate change. Every year, we send approximately 225 tonnes of tools to Africa and recycle any broken tools that we receive. Many of these tools are unwanted and end up taking up space in people's sheds or garages, eventually being sent to landfills.
Our work not only keeps these tools out of landfills but also puts them in the hands of individuals who need them most, thereby reducing the overall carbon footprint.
By diverting these tools from landfills and promoting their reuse, we are able to save an estimated 1,134 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
We have many stories about lives that have been transformed by tools on our blog. We also post about what's going on in the UK, so make sure to have a read if you want to know more about our work!
News and Stories
Quick Links
We take a wide variety of tools. Click the button above for the full list of accepted tools, and to find your nearest local collector or drop-off point.
Our work is mostly done by volunteers, whether that's driving around collecting tools, refurbishing them, or helping out in the office. Have a look at our roles.
Support our work by covering the costs involved with putting together a tool kit, as a donation, or an alternative gift on behalf of a loved one.
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