A project offering training and mentoring to people with learning disabilities in making goods from recycled wood is continuing to flourish.

Purpose built-premises have been created for Voluntary Action Epping Forest's Ace Activities Upcycling scheme in Stapleford Abbots, with vacancies for up to eight new trainees.

These additional opportunities for ACE Upcycling have come thanks to help from Riverside Timber Recycling project - which has built the especially adapted workshop - and a £10,000 grant from the Essex Community Foundation.

Finished articles from the projects are sold at the VAEF ACE Upcycling stand at Riverside Timber Recycling Project, Chigwell Nursery and at various local fetes. All money raised goes back into the upcycling projects.

ACE Upcycling projects are open to working age adults with learning or physical disabilities and mental health issues. It offers training and mentoring in making goods from recycled timber, as well as restoring and upcycling furniture for sale to the public.

The projects are designed to boost participants’ confidence through providing focus, developing skills and encouraging discipline in a fun environment. Trainees also enjoy the companionship and collaboration of working with others.

Josh, who works at ACE Upcycling said: “I really enjoy learning how to make things at ACE Upcycling. I have made planters, benches, tables and much more. I like working with Tim who volunteers at the project, as well as seeing all my friends."

For more information on vacancies available on the project or for furniture items for sale, visit the ACE project's new website www.aceactivities.org.uk or contact Sally Panrucker on spanrucker@vaef.org.uk