Summer Newsletter 2022

Jun 20, 2022



MRO Newsletter



Summer 2022
Time for your seasonal update & there is exciting news to share!


At Moray Reach Out we create opportunities for vulnerable adults participating in work and life to help them feel empowered. We’re also very passionate about changing mindsets and creating a positive impact for future generations.

Every project at MRO, current and future, focuses on our trainees, volunteers and staff members mental health and well-being. Whilst looking at sustainable, eco-friendly products that help the environment.

We believe that we can change mindsets by never underestimating people; we do with and not for and we always encourage them to give it a go.

MRO NEWS
Summer is here! 

Moray Reach Out has had a great Spring and we would like to share all of our exciting news and upcoming events!

We now have a brand new website that was launched on the 1st of June 2022. Due to our successful application for Digital Boost, 50% was funded by them.

During Spring, we held a raffle to raise money for the development of MRO gardens, we raised an amazing £1851. See below for further information. 

Since Moray Reach Out was awarded funding by the National Lottery Community Fund we have now got two new staff members beginning in July. Andrew Vernon will be aiding our upcycling project and Donna Buchan will be helping both our upcycling and art yarn projects. We are super excited to have them joining our team.

In addition, Jon Reeves (Team Leader) and Megan Fairley (Digital Support) have accepted permanent, full-time contracts within Moray Reach Out after their funded positions had expired. They are assets to the team and we are glad to have been able to offer them full time positions. We are looking forward to many more exciting and positive years with them.

Moray Reach Out has booked a table at RAF Lossiemouth Families Day on the 20th of July 2022. Make sure you pop along to see us!

All of our projects continue to do great work for the environment. Our trainees are very proud to be part of such projects, re-use and recycling being the main elements of the reduce, re-use and recycle mantra.

Partnerships

Organisations we work in partnership with include Moray Firth Credit Union (MFCU), who can be found in our Head Office at 23 East Church Street, Buckie every Wednesday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The MFCU staff and volunteers will be happy to tell you about savings, loans, etc. A Private room is available in our meeting room behind the scenes, and general info out in the Thrift Shop area (upstairs). Please do come along and find out more. They are very friendly and helpful.

Above: Phase I (left) Area for Phase II (right)

(Above: Upcycling team dropping off products to Gordon Castle)
Our MRO Upcycling team have partnered with Gordon Castle and Mackenzie & Cruickshank’s to create seed trays, planters, herb boxes and more for them to sell at their premises.  All items have been upcycled from pallet wood and hand-crafted by MRO trainee’s, project assistant’s or volunteer’s.

Author Frankie Barton
Amberleena and the Prince



Frankie Barton is a fantastic man who created this book with his own children and grand-children in mind.
All profits from this book will evenly be distributed between two of his favourite charities.
Moray Reach Out Embroidery & Sport Moray Fund
The remaining balance will cover the costs of printing and publication. No profit is taken by the author. Buy the book at our MRO Embroidery shop, Elgin.

 Spring Raffle


Buckie Platinum Jubilee Street Fair 
Held by Buckie’s Roots and Buckie Christmas Lights

Moray Reach Out joined the Jubilee celebration on the 5th June 2022 with our own stall. We had multiple games, including ‘Guess how many buttons’ (in the jar), a raffle and a game of quoits. We had a great time engaging with the community and spreading awareness – the fantastic weather was also a bonus 🙂 



Volunteers Afternoon Tea


Here at Moray Reach Reach Out, we feel it is especially important to show appreciate to our many devoted volunteers who help out at our various projects. Now that the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, we decided to host an afternoon tea for all of our volunteers at Gordon Castle. It was an amazing day, filled with fun, food and friends! We hope to do more events like this in the future
.

MRO Discos are BACK!


Now that the world is getting a sense of normality back after COVID-19, the organisers of the MRO Discos have decided that it is about time to bring them back. The first one will be held on Friday, June 24th. This is a great chance for socialising in a safe environment whilst boogying the night away. Parents and carers have free entry.

MORAY REACH OUT PROJECTS
Training & Trading in Retail, Recycling and Crafts
 
(Above: Lynne showing off one of Barbara’s handwoven rugs)

MRO Yarns & Crafts @mroyarnsandcrafts

Trainees, volunteers and staff had an amazing time this Spring creating their own Jubilee display window for the shop.

They are now working on creating their own ‘Yarns & Crafts farm’. Sneak peek above:

MRO Art Yarn @mroartyarn

In May we began shearing the fleece of our Shetland sheep to get fantastic wool to create our art yarn. Everything is done in-house by our staff, volunteers and trainees. From shearing, washing, teasing to spinning. Keep an eye on our online shop for the newest hanks to be added.



MRO Embroidery & Fine Gifts @mroembroidery

From one-off embroidered items for the perfect gift to embroidery for company uniforms, organisations and clubs.

We now have a lovely range of reusable sandwich wraps available now for only £4.50 from both our Elgin and Buckie shop. Lots of different designs with more to come. Lovingly handmade with our trainees ☺️

A great, eco-friendly alternative to clingfilm, aluminium foil, plastic containers etc. 🌱
Made from cotton on the outside and waterproof nylon inside. Washing machine friendly ✅️ Zero waste ✅️

MRO Thrift Shop @mrothriftshop

From second hand clothing, shoes, bags,  books, bric-a-brac, household items and more at thrift prices. We have a high turnover in items so it is definitely worth coming in as you never know what hidden gems you might find.
We have so many new summer items in our shop, from suitcases, sandals, dresses to hats and accessories.

We have so much to choose from, come on in and see for yourself 🥰

MRO Recycling @mrorecycling


We have just begun working with Green Hive (Nairn) to granulate milk bottle tops by colour. This organisation is our first customer for granulated plastics. They will mould these into parts for their own products. We love collaborative working with fellow social enterprises.
You can help us by donating your clean bottle tops and plastic milk bottles.


MRO Van Collection @mrorecycling

We have a total of 91 van customers throughout Moray, with a weekly/bi-weekly collection for each. This gives our trainees the opportunity to collect and process business’ recycling whilst engaging with the community. If you have a business and wish to get involved, contact us today – recycling@morayreachout.org.uk