Weee Charity in Warrington recycles electrical and IT equipment, giving educational opportunities, life and work skills to people. It’s inclusive for anyone 16-plus who has time and wants to be practical and part of something. It’s a training centre and also works with colleges and different groups to help people feel ready for work.
Saving items from landfill
Weee charity strip down and weigh in electrical items and mobile phones to stop them going into landfill. As well as recycling and stripping down, they also refurbish and sell on items on their eBay and Vinted stores.
Lewis finds a match
Lewis is supported by the Shared Lives Scheme. After college, he struggled to find a challenge that was interesting and that he was passionate about. He’s always loved techy things and so we went to check out Weee charity with him.
Lewis has been volunteering there for a few months now, and has learned most of the roles. He has even started mentoring students. One of his team-mates is Deaf, and Lewis is learning signs with him.
A good fit
Lisa, Lewis’s mentor at Weee Charity said:
Lewis is a hard worker, approachable and loves talking about his travels!
She added:
Sometimes when people start working here it can take time to adjust to being part of a team, things like not swearing or just getting on with people with different beliefs. Lewis is very settled and has great routines and we have a trusting relationship.
Lewis said:
I enjoy coming. I know what I am doing and how I help make money and recycle. I try everything.
Sarah is Lewis's Shared Lives Officer. She said:
My take aways from the visit were how Lewis is contributing, not just developing his own skills, but mentoring local students and helping them to learn. And also because of the relationships he’s made, people are interested in finding out about working for MacIntyre and one of the staff has applied for a Shared Lives carer job with us! Not giving up, keeping looking for what’s happening locally can lead to great things – this is a place where Lewis feels safe, has found a purpose and is part of something that makes a difference. Weee charity is a hidden gem helping people from all walks of life on top of helping the environment. Amazing!
