At Rebuild Site CIC, community drives everything we do. By diverting surplus building materials from construction projects, we’re not only reducing waste but also empowering local groups, schools, charities, and individuals to create positive change in their neighborhoods. Whether it’s supporting a school garden or enabling community art projects, we’re here to help make a lasting impact.
How We Support Our Communities
Since our launch, we’ve supported over 125 community projects, helping more than 12,500 people across Cumbria, and more recently in Wolverhampton. By providing materials to these projects, we help stretch tight budgets and reduce waste. Some of the ways we’re making a difference include:
- Harraby Community Garden: We provided timber to create raised beds, helping residents grow fresh produce while promoting wellbeing and community spirit.
- Caldew Squirrel Initiative: With our donated timber, 38 feeding stations were built to support the conservation of endangered red squirrels.
- Prism Arts Workshops: By donating plywood, we enabled local artists and people with additional needs to create a stunning public art piece in Carlisle.
- Forest School: Items donated provided infrastructure for a local school in Wolverhampton
These are just a few of the ways we’re turning surplus materials into valuable community resources.
Re-Play: Inspiring the Next Generation
Through our Re-Play Project, we’re encouraging imaginative play in schools with loose parts play kits. We’ve worked with 15 schools and nurseries, helping over 600 children explore creativity and problem-solving using everyday materials that would otherwise go to waste. By showing young people the value of reuse, we’re not only inspiring play but also nurturing a sustainable mindset from an early age.
The Carlisle Tool Library & Community Workshop
In 2023, we launched our Tool Library in Carlisle, offering affordable tool loans to community members. We have had over 500 tool loans, saving an estimated £6000 on new tool purchases while reducing the need for new products. Our Cumbrian community workspace provides a shared space for learning and skill development, with tools available for DIY projects, maintenance, and creative endeavours, and a range of workshops.
This service is available to everyone, with concession memberships for those on benefits, asylum seekers, and refugees, ensuring it’s inclusive and accessible to all.
Our collaboration partners at The Reuse Hub in Wolverhampton also offer community skills workshops, visit here to find out more https://woodsaints.com/classes/
Powered by Volunteers
Our volunteers are the backbone of Rebuild. To date, they’ve given over 8000 hours of their time to support our work—whether it’s running our shops, maintaining tools, or helping deliver materials. We’re proud to offer volunteering opportunities through social prescribing routes, placements for ex-offenders, and support for young people working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
Every volunteer plays a vital role in making our community stronger, and we couldn’t do it without them.
Get involved
We believe that building a better future starts with how we use materials today. By donating, volunteering, or partnering with us, you’re helping create a circular economy where nothing goes to waste, and everyone benefits. Together, we can support local communities, protect our environment, and make resources go further.
Want to get involved? Get in touch with us to learn more about how you can help.