We recognise the past year has been hard for many, so with this in mind, we’d like to promote some other incredible initiatives working to create stronger, cleaner, and more sustainable communities. Each month we will be promoting a location that is home to one of our repair cafes, celebrating the many other inspirational, forward thinking organisations that strive to make Wales, and the world, a better place.

This month we are showcasing Mold, the historic market town in Flintshire making great steps to conquer consumerism, climate change and the marginalisation of community members.

Mold Plastic Reduction

Mold Plastic Reduction is working to unite people in their community in the fight against single use plastic. In 2019, this initiative took just one year to achieve the Plastic Free Communities accreditation, awarded to those communities making considerable efforts to eradicate as much plastic as possible – but they’re not stopping there. Teaming up with businesses, schools, community organisations and local event organisers, Mold Plastic Reduction have set themselves some challenging targets this year, aiming to double the number of businesses signed up to their cause, to influence the behaviour of over 150 employees in those businesses, and to continue to influence key community organisations, schools and event organisers towards a more sustainable way of life, championing plastic reduction to create lasting environmental change for the better.
Mold Plastic Reduction gets involved in numerous events throughout the year, such as litter picks, mass unwrap events, Mold Carnival and has even supported their local repair café in the fight against plastic.

To get involved or find out how you can help, visit – https://moldplasticreduction.org/

Bryn Gwalia Community Garden

Transformed from derelict wasteland over numerous years, Bryn Gwalia Community Garden has turned to the land to enrich the lives of the local community in Mold. Welcoming volunteers to maintain communal areas and offering green spaces to rent for a low annual cost, this organisation encourages people to venture outside and be amongst nature. Providing space and opportunity to engage in exercise, invest in some green-fingered therapy or simply connect with others in an uplifting natural environment, Bryn Gwalia Community Garden is a place that nurtures social, cultural and environmental conditions. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a total beginner, you will be embraced as a member of this community, and encouraged to get creative in the garden. Situated at The Clubhouse, this organisation meets on Wednesdays in the warmer months, working together with volunteers, to create a fun environment and take part in collective projects and tasks around the Garden.

To find out how you could get involved, visist here – https://www.farmgarden.org.uk/org/public-profile/44759

RainbowBiz

Founded in 2015 by Directors Sue Oliver and Sarah Way, RainbowBiz has lived up to its name in the last five years, illuminating the Flintshire scene with a colourful brilliance that illustrates their promotion of equality and diversity. Their community projects such as Digging Deeside and The Arty Folk & Friendship group, aim to tackle issues of marginalisation, loneliness and isolation for vulnerable adults, empowering people to come together and celebrate their differences whilst learning new skills. Acknowledging the efforts of their volunteers and members, RainbowBiz offers social events, gatherings and training sessions throughout the year, creating a sense of community within the organisation and honouring the social aspect of this rich and vibrant social enterprise.
RainbowBiz has also opened the Hippy Shop in Mold, selling Fair Trade gifts and clothing as a way of generating income, investing that income back into RainbowBiz, and into the lives of their local community.

To find out more about RainbowBiz and how you can get involved, visit –https://www.rainbowbiz.org.uk/

Outside Lives Ltd

Cwtched in the woodlands of Gwernymynydd, Mold, is the wonderfully engaging social enterprise, Outside Lives. This organisation coordinates a number of soul nourishing groups, providing social and environmental benefits, and recognising the importance of utilising the skills and imagination inherent in every community. Assets to be valued, learned and shared. Conversations within the local community spark ideas that are brought to life by Outside Lives and their members, building thriving initiatives such as the Outside Lives Dig In, a communal effort to learn how to grow food together, championing sustainability, skills sharing, and community resilience. Gardening not your thing? Never fear! Other groups are available, covering numerous themes, including nature, wildlife, theatre, performance, plant-based cooking, wellbeing and self-care.
No matter where your interest lies, Outside Lives proves humanity can blend with nature beautifully, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for people from all walks of life, to come together and invest in their community.

To find out more, visit the Outside Lives Facebook page at – (1) OUTSIDE LIVES LTD – moving forward, how should our world look? | Facebook