Tools for Solidarity Visit LCCL for a day of skill sharing
Life Change Changes Lives was delighted to welcome Tools for Solidarity (TFS) to our workshop this week for a hands‑on training session with staff and volunteers. The visit brought together two organisations with a shared commitment to community empowerment, practical skills and sustainable reuse — and it made for an inspiring day.
Tools for Solidarity is a volunteer‑run charity based in Northern Ireland that refurbishes sewing machines and hand tools for artisans in some of the poorest regions of the world. Their work goes far beyond equipment: they provide training, technical knowledge and long‑term support through local refurbishment centres overseas, helping people gain the skills they need to become more self‑reliant.
During their visit to LCCL, the TFS team delivered practical demonstrations on how to use, maintain and repair sewing machines, giving our staff and volunteers the confidence to troubleshoot issues and keep our equipment running smoothly. This knowledge is invaluable for our creative workshops, upcycling projects and community activities — all of which rely on tools that are cared for, repaired and reused rather than discarded.
The session also highlighted the shared values between our organisations. Both LCCL and TFS are proud members of the Northern Ireland Resources Network (NIRN), which champions reuse and repair as essential parts of a circular, sustainable economy. NIRN connects community groups, charities and social enterprises across Northern Ireland, promoting repair culture, reducing waste and supporting organisations like ours to make the most of the resources we have.
Tools for Solidarity’s work extends far beyond tools and training. They offer volunteering opportunities for people with additional support needs, refugees, asylum seekers and international volunteers — creating a space where everyone can contribute and learn. They also run an Education for Sustainable Development programme, raising awareness of poverty, global injustice and environmental issues in schools and community settings across Northern Ireland.
For our team at LCCL, the visit was a reminder of how powerful practical skills can be. A repaired sewing machine isn’t just a tool — it’s an opportunity for creativity, learning and connection. It supports our community workshops, strengthens our social enterprise activities and helps us continue offering meaningful, hands‑on experiences to the people we work with.
We’re grateful to Tools for Solidarity for sharing their expertise, their time and their passion. It was a day rooted in collaboration, sustainability and solidarity — values that sit at the heart of both our organisations.
