Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves has cut the ribbon at SLATE’s second Feel Good Furniture Shop in Armley.
Like its sister shop in Hunslet, the Canal Road shop sells pre-loved furniture, bric-a-brac, household goods and clothes and employs people with learning difficulties.
This official opening coincides with the organisation’s 10th birthday. SLATE (South Leeds Alternative Trading Enterprise) was set up as a social enterprise by charity Health For All to provide good quality furniture at affordable prices for people in need, to save things from going to landfill and to provide people with learning difficulties with opportunities in the workplace.
Rachel Reeves said:
“It is great that SLATE are opening a branch in Armley, helping many in the community and encouraging people to re-cycle. I have been surveying people about what they would like to see in Armley and many have mentioned that they want a greater variety of shops, so this definitely fits the bill. I wish all involved continued success!”
Frances Jones helped to set up SLATE and is now its patron. She said:
“I am very proud that we are going from strength to strength, giving opportunities to people with learning difficulties and boosting the city’s re-use figures. I look forward to the next 10 years!”
SLATE is now a charity as well as a social enterprise.