SCARF is a not-for-profit social enterprise business dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment by re-using waste products as creative arts resources. The organisation is run by a board which includes the head teachers of Eastfield nursery and primary schools and members of the business community. Funding comes partly through a neighbourhood renewal grant and partly from self-generated income, with the intention that the project will become wholly self-financing from membership fees and sales in the future.
SCARF collects a wide variety of business waste for re-use from large and small factories, retailers, marketing companies, local authority, offices and company liquidators. It is registered with the Environment Agency, runs a free collection service and provides businesses with the appropriate waste transfer documentation to ensure environmental targets are met.
Products collected can be production offcuts, ends of lines, excess stock or factory clearances. The materials on offer at the SCARF store are constantly changing as a result. Staff are selective in the waste materials they collect to ensure that the stock in store is clean and safe and is always relevant to the needs of the members.
The centre employs two arts resource advisers who offer help and advice and very actively promote the importance of giving young children opportunities, time and space to develop and express their own creative ideas. Staff of Eastfield Nursery School, which is on the same site as SCARF, maintain close links with the centre.
For more information on SCARF visit www.scarf4art.co.uk.
