A TAMESIDE education provider has announced its latest community initiative – an opportunity shop in the heart of Stalybridge.
Works4U College will be behind R and R: Relove and Reuse, which will be aimed specifically at young adults, on Grosvenor Street.
As well as offering stylish clothing, games, and accessories at affordable prices, the premises will also promote sustainability and aim to reduce landfill waste.
It will also provide a chance for students at specialist college Works4U to gain real-life work experience in every aspect of retail.
They will be hands-on in roles such as merchandising, stock rotation, window dressing, point of sale, customer service, online sales and marketing.
“This is more than just a shop,” said Lisa Buckley, project lead at R and R.
“It’s a platform for our learners to grow, contribute to the community and promote environmental responsibility – all while helping to provide affordable fashion and essentials for young people in Tameside.
“This unique experience is designed to build valuable employability skills and confidence in a live working environment.”
In 2024, Tameside collected 70,437 tonnes of waste, of which only 30,859 tonnes were reused, recycled or composted – meaning 39,578 tonnes ended up in landfill.
R and R says it aims to tackle this issue directly by extending the life of quality clothing and reducing the volume of textile waste.
It also says that as well as pre-loved items, it will feature a stylish selection of brand new clothing and footwear, generously donated by Works4U’s corporate friends at JD Williams.
But the call has gone out to the local community to donate used clothing specifically for teenagers and young adults.
Lisa added: “These donations will help us provide trendy, desirable clothing that young people will be proud to wear – supporting families who may struggle with the cost of brand new items.”
Donations can be made at three Stalybridge locations – The Lock (formerly Phoenix City), on Castle Street, The Peacock at Ambleside or R and R, on Grosvenor Street.
Works4U has been described as ‘a beacon of alternative education’ and is proving that learning does not always come from textbooks.
Offering what is described as ‘a transformative journey for learners aged 14-24,’ it helps show that practical, hands-on experience can be just as important, if not more so, than a classroom.
*IF YOU own a business or organisation and would like to support Works4U’s R and R initiative, you can contact Lisa by emailing lisabuckley@normanmackie.com.
