About us
A creative-reuse charity since 1988
Wandsworth Work and Play, known as the Scrapstore, is based in Tooting on the Hazelhurst Estate, on premises generously supported by Wandsworth Council.
Rescue
Learn
Support
1988
Founded
Based in Tooting on the Hazelhurst Estate ever since
60t
Materials rescued a year
Surplus and offcuts, diverted from landfill
50+
Volunteers
Sorting, shelving and helping members in store
6,600
Volunteer hours a year
Given by our volunteers between them
2
Constitutional objects
Social welfare for people in hardship, and learning through reuse
2.5
Paid staff
A small team running the store day to day
Our story
Rescuing materials that would otherwise be thrown away,and selling them on affordably for creative reuse
We exist for two reasons: social welfare for people in hardship, and learning through the reuse of materials. Schools, nurseries, community groups, families, artists and makers have all been members over the years.
A small paid team, supported by around 50 volunteers, keeps the store running day to day.
A member's story
The Work Play Scrapstore has been a life-changing resource for our home-educating family with two neurodiverse children. For over 10 years, it has provided affordable access to creative materials that have supported their learning, mental health, and future ambitions. My children's passion for making and design has flourished thanks to the Scrapstore, allowing them to explore textiles, engineering, 3D modelling, and crafts that we could never have afforded otherwise. Importantly, it has embedded sustainability values from a young age, teaching them to re-use, recycle, and think in terms of a circular economy, a lesson now central to all creative courses and careers. These opportunities directly helped my 16-year-old son gain a place at Kingston College to study 3D Design. During lockdown, the Scrapstore kept us learning, creating, and connected. The skills and confidence my children have gained from working with unique materials and supportive volunteers have been invaluable. We are truly grateful for the opportunities this membership has given our family and hope every child can one day access the same creative freedom.
Ellora Coupe, home-educating parent and member
What our members say
“I love Scrapstore’s participation in the circular economy.”
Gill, trustee
Our trustees and team
Run by trustees, a small paid team, and volunteers
Our team, including an Operations Manager, runs the store day to day, supported by around 50 volunteers who give their time.
Wayne Speechly (Chair)
Deborah Abbott
Emma Wallace
Gillian Upton
Katie Attwood
Bridget Palmer
Dom Bowns
Jane Bates