Helping to transform lives of those in need

Helping to transform lives of those in need

23 April 2025

OVER two decades after it opened, Downpatrick’s Tools for Solidarity is continuing to transform people’s lives.

The charity believes that everyone should live simply, so that others can simply live.

Its workshop opened in English Street in January 2004 and since then it has been addressing social isolation among some of the most vulnerable in society by offering its volunteers support, purpose and community.   

The charity – which currently facilitates around 30 volunteers — provides worthwhile and valuable work to individuals with additional needs, such as physical disability, learning difficulties, mental health issues or those recovering from addiction. 

Tools for Solidarity is committed to supporting artisans in some of the world's poorest regions, primarily in Africa. 

Not only are they dedicated to repairing and refurbishing tools and sewing machines, but also independently construct the timber crates necessary for securely packing and shipping the goods abroad. 

Each year, the charity sends a 20-foot container to Tanzania, filled with over 300 sewing machines, four to five thousand tools and over 50 pieces of workshop machinery. 

Charity co-founder, Stephen Wood, said over the years, Tools for Solidarity has learnt that distributing tools and sewing machines was not enough.

“We also needed to provide communities with the necessary skills and resources to maintain and repair the machines, to promote self-sufficiency and ensure the sustainability of the project,” he explained.

“It takes a lot of work to prepare for the annual shipment. All the tools and machines are checked and checked again.”

Stephen said not only is it important that everything the charity sends leaves in excellent working order, it also wants to ensure the machines reach their destination safely. 

“That is why we chose to construct our own crates and pack them carefully for transit,” he continued. 

As well as providing these valuable services locally and internationally, Tools for Solidarity plays a key role in promoting the benefits of a circular economy-creating a culture of reuse, repurpose, repair and recycle. 

"As an organisation, we believe education is core,” Stephen continued.

“Our education for sustainable development programme is delivered to primary school children and, more recently, to adult groups throughout Northern Ireland, entirely free of charge.  

“It is our mission to promote the benefits of a circular economy. We focus on raising awareness about the importance of fair trade and address issues such as poverty, social injustices, waste management and consumption.”

More information about Tools for Solidarity is available at toolsforsolidarity.com including how to become a volunteer, supported volunteer or a fundraising champion.

Currently, the charity is particularly welcoming donations of timber, plywood and sewing machines.