Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg visits Cardiff textile reuse project

The Deputy Prime Minister demonstrated his support for community recycling during a visit to PreFab Clothing - a textile recycling and reuse initiative operated by Cardiff YMCA Housing Association.

Mr Clegg remarked how small scale initiatives such as this provide a “big clue” as to what we need to be doing to get young people back into employment.

The project is run by YMCA HA staff, volunteers and work experience placements arranged by Cylch’s training arm, Cylch Quality Learning (CQL). CQL has been working closely with the Welsh Council for Voluntary Action  to provide work experience placements for unemployed 18-25 year olds in Wales. By providing essential skills, at the same time as offering crucial training tailored to the sustainable resource management sector, Cylch’s scheme is helping people to find work in a growth industry at a time of rising unemployment.

Since it was founded in November 2010, CQL has placed 90 young people across Cardiff, Newport and the Vale and over 285 throughout Wales. Many of those involved have gone on to gain permanent positions within their host organisations, whilst others have been supported to find new jobs as their scheme ends. The development of new Sustainable Resource Management Apprenticeships has provided an opportunity for some to further their ambitions within the sector.

Cylch members, such as PreFab, are responsible for diverting around 1000 tonnes of unwanted textiles from landfill each year, whilst supporting good causes, providing green jobs and benefitting local people. 

Contact: Kath Hilsden, Communications and Events Manager - 07811377283