Showing off our certificates Team outside the Armley Shop Team on the van Having fun in the cafe Working hard

A Message from Director Dave Firth

“When I joined SLATE, my first instinct was to think what I can do for this organisation. As it happens, it’s been all about what they have done for me. Never in my life have I had the privilege to work with such dedicated, inspiring people. I have been shown what true support is, what friendship can really mean to someone and also what hard work is really about.
I see challenges faced every day and stumbling blocks overcome. I see people grow in ways they never thought possible. I see acts of kindness that are selfless, and I also see a family. From its foundation, SLATE has been about its people. They are the lifeblood that makes it work.
I could talk all day about how much money we make, how many tonnes of furniture we divert from landfill. That is very important to us and makes the organisation continue, but we’re about helping people, and our great team - staff and volunteers. We’re about celebration. A celebration of talent.

Thankyou to the volunteers below for sharing their experiences of SLATE - including their favourite things to do! ” 

 

Matthew's Story

Matthew’s favourite thing to do at SLATE: “Lift furniture and sort it all out.”
“I really like having a job and being busy. I’ve made lots of friends and I get to do lifting
because I’m very strong”.

Alison, Matthew’s Mum says: 

“Matt is a much more confident man since starting work at SLATE. He travels there independently and calls to get himself a coffee on the way. Before working at SLATE, he would often shy away from social situations unless he was very familiar with all the others involved. He also really benefits from having a purpose to his day. He’s not just filling time - he’s doing something productive”.
 

Haydon's Story

Haydon
Haydon’s favourite thing to do at SLATE: “Test electrical items.”

“I have worked at SLATE cafe and loved it so much I wanted more! So, I visited the SLATE furniture store and took my coat off and got stuck in with a large delivery that has just arrived. I loved it! The team at SLATE said I was a marvel! Yay! I love Marvel films and we see them all in our social events at SLATE! All this experience led to me working at a partner charity Revive and eventually led to paid work at a new charity Fork 2 Fork which recycles food waste and turns it into compost. Volunteering at SLATE changed my life, I feel Marvel...lous! ‘It’s clobberin’ time!’ ‘Flame on!’ ‘Odin’s beard!’ ‘I have the power!’”

Dave, Director at SLATE, says:

“Haydon’s development in the six years he’s been coming to SLATE has been amazing. To see someone grow in so many ways, despite some really hard times is why SLATE is so important to the community.”
 

Dean's Story

Dean’s favourite thing to do at SLATE: “Make sure the storage container is empty.”

Ann, Volunteer Manager at SLATE, says:

“Dean came to SLATE several years ago and was very quiet having been through some
difficult things in life. Since then, Dean has made some strong friendship bonds at SLATE
and is part of a fantastic Monday and Wednesday team. 

Initially quiet, Dean is now brilliantly chatty - adding to the Feel-Good vibe at SLATE. Dean is so helpful it would be a long list to describe what he does: preparing donations for sale, helping customers, loading sold items and accepting donations are all done very kindly. 

Recently Dean moved home, a major change and you would not have known he was undertaking such a big life event. There were no gaps in his volunteering, no sign of the stress he must have been under. Dean’s ready smile and cheery ways continued seamlessly. Truly impressive.”
 

George's Story

George’s favourite thing to do at SLATE: “Help customers.”

“I came to SLATE from working at St Vincents. I already knew a lot about furniture reuse and charity shops. SLATE is different in that it encourages a family feel at work - we all share our worries a bit and it’s safe to do so. SLATE says it is the ‘feel good’ charity and I think it is!”

Theresa, Shop Team Leader at SLATE, says: 

“George has been with us a while now and is a real character and does everything asked of him. He has real ability, especially with practical tasks and I can see a great future ahead of him.”
 

Lisa's Story

Lisa’s favourite thing to do at SLATE: “Make customers laugh.”

Jayne, Cafe Team Leader at SLATE Feel Good Cafe, says:

“Lisa is the heart and soul of the cafe. Her personality and passion make the whole place vibrant and such an enjoyable place to be. Lisa is so kind and her warmth makes you feel really good. She is so hardworking and a highly valued member of the team.”