Rilmac Scaffolding have recently partnered with charity Worth Unlimited on a local outreach project in the Lincoln area. The project, The Oasis including The Growing Plot, is an initiative aimed at supporting marginalised young people with the opportunity of working outdoors and produce at The Oasis.

The team at Rilmac are proud to be able to support the work at The Growing Plot through the recycling of scaffolding boards. The Scaffolding Division have enough scaffolding boards to lie end to end from Lincoln to Düsseldorf and are regularly adding to their stock. Not only are new boards required as the business expands, there is an almost constant requirement for replacements as old boards reach the end of their useful life. It is these boards that are of great benefit at The Oasis.

Repurposed scaffolding boards have a wide range of uses on an allotment, especially as edging to surround each plot. This keeps the plots neat and today, easier to work on, and protected. During the winter the charity are able to cover each plot with manure, and seal it in with no fear of it spreading across paths and walkways. Come spring the boards will act as a barrier to spreading grass making the ground easier to work on. Throughout November volunteers, alongside young people benefitting from the project, will be installing the boards around each plot and making wider use of them across the site.

The young people who attend The Oasis are able to grow produce, and sell it with the aim of making the project self-supporting. They also have the opportunity to look after chickens and learn how to build sheds and other outdoor buildings. Coming from different backgrounds with a range of needs the young people who attend the site twice a week may have learning difficulties, been in trouble with the law, or have issues at home. The project offers them an oasis away from their lives, in order to slow down, relax and take them away from their challenges for a short while and learn a range of productive new skills.

Among the success stories from The Growing Plot is a young man who went from living in sheltered accommodation and troubles with the police, to working as an apprentice chef in one of Lincoln’s top hotels. Also available for the young people attending The Oasis is an accredited course in Micro Entrepreneurship funded by the Bishop of Lincoln’s Social Fund.

Alison Merryman of Worth Unlimited said “We are absolutely delighted that Rilmac have been able to donate their redundant scaffolding boards. It is wonderful to see them in use on our allotments. Having experienced the change that The Oasis can bring donations such as these make all the difference.”

“Old boards can present a safety hazard if they are used on a site and we always ensure that our materials are regularly replaced to ensure the highest standards for our scaffolders and our customers,” said James Newton, Depot Operations Manager for Rilmac Scaffolding, “It’s great that The Growing Plot have found a use for them and we are very proud to be able to help in their work.”

With the recent growth Rilmac Scaffolding have been enjoying it looks like there will be recycled boards available to Worth Unlimited for many years to come!