Successful Creative Upcycling Project Goes Back to The Future

A creative upcycling project delivered in Downpatrick during National Reuse and Repair Week was a major success, helping local people learn new skills, reduce waste and build confidence through furniture restoration and repair.

The From Old to Gold: Repair, Share and Care programme was delivered through a partnership between Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Sustainability Section, the Life Change Changes Lives (LCCL) charity and the Northern Ireland Resources Network (NIRN).

Over four days, participants transformed unwanted furniture rescued from a Council recycling centre into unique, restored pieces while learning practical skills, including sanding, painting, waxing, upholstery and patchwork using reclaimed materials.

The project highlighted the importance of the circular economy by demonstrating how reuse, repair and upcycling can prevent waste, extend the lifespan of materials and reduce the amount of furniture going to landfill.

Alongside the environmental benefits, the programme also delivered significant social and well-being outcomes for participants and for the LCCL volunteers who acted as mentors and trainers, sharing skills and knowledge gained through the charity’s ongoing furniture upcycling programme.

The project achieved exceptionally positive outcomes, with every participant reporting satisfaction with the programme, increased confidence in repair and upcycling skills and a strong sense of personal achievement. Feedback also highlighted the importance of social connection, inclusion and the supportive atmosphere created throughout the workshops.

Participants praised both the welcoming environment and the opportunity to meet new people while learning practical skills. One said “everyone is so friendly and positive, and the craic is 90” while others remarked “The atmosphere in the place is very accepting” and “Wonderful organisation. I had an amazing time, learned new skills and had great craic.”

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna, who attended one of the workshop sessions said, “From Old to Gold showed how sustainability projects can deliver benefits far beyond waste reduction. Participants not only learned practical reuse and repair skills, but also built confidence, creativity and social connections in a supportive environment. It was fantastic to see furniture destined for disposal transformed into something valued and personal.”

LCCL Operations Manager, Ailish Teague said: “This project created a welcoming and positive space where people could learn, connect and support one another. The feedback demonstrates the real value of combining sustainability with community wellbeing and lifelong learning.”

NIRN Chief Executive Officer, Eimear Montague, has highlighted the importance of National Reuse and Repair Week.

“The purpose is to celebrate and inspire a culture of fixing, reusing and repurposing items, giving them a second life, rather than sending them to landfill. Projects such as ‘From Old to Gold’ play a vital role in strengthening the circular economy by extending the lifespan of products through repair, restoration and creative reuse.

“The workshop was one of many inspiring initiatives taking place across Northern Ireland, empowering local communities to reimagine their belongings, reduce waste and lower carbon emissions associated with the production and transport of new goods. It clearly demonstrated how practical sustainability activities can create meaningful environmental benefits while also supporting creativity, learning, connection and improved well-being."

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council hopes that the project's success will encourage more people to embrace repair, reuse and upcycling as part of a more sustainable future.