An Edinburgh based charity that provides creative spaces and support for adults with disabilities has celebrated a major refurbishment of its facilities in the Gorgie area of the city.

Garvald’s £750,000 refurbishment, which started two and a half years ago, has seen members involved in the design process to ensure more modern and accessible facilities.

Despite the disruption of Covid and the building work, the organisation has continued to collect equipment to support adults with disabilities in Malawi in south-east Africa. Gorgie’s “Tools workshop” has seen the donation of a large shipment of equipment including hand tools and sewing machines as part of the Tools and Training for Livelihood in Malawi project run by The Global Concerns Trust and funded by The Scottish Government. Garvald members are involved in the collection of tools as well as sorting and restoring them, ready for a new life in Malawi.

Mike Casey, CEO of Garvald, said:

“Opening our doors wide once again has allowed our members to re engage with their creative work which is so important. With the refurbishment of Gorgie they can now do this in a much improved space.

“Involving our members in planning the building refurbishment at Gorgie has allowed us to create an environment which is lighter, brighter and much more accessible and one which I hope they feel very much part of creating. Being involved in the tools project means our members are able to make a positive contribution globally and feel a part of something special.”

Garvald Tools workshop is still looking for donations of tools, particularly old Singer sewing machines, as well as garden and woodworking tools. 

More information can be found on the charity’s website – www.garvaldedinburgh.org.uk 

Image: Hawa Golos using singer sewing machine provided by Garvald