This spring, Lewisham Shopping has introduced a new donation point in the centre, to encourage shoppers to donate unwanted items found around the home during their annual spring clean.

In partnership with housing and homelessness charity Shelter, the donation point will be available from April 1. The centre is asking its customers to drop off their old clothes, books, CDs and DVDs, furniture and electrical items, all of which will provide vital supplies for the charity.

Along with the donation point, the centre will offer sewing workshops for keen crafters with textile upcyclist Barley Massey, from April 13 – 15, and 17 10am – 5pm.

The workshops will teach shoppers how to transform old and unwanted items into useful products and offer advice on how you can upcycle, repurpose and restyle a range of items that are gathering dust at home just waiting for a new purpose. Upcycling is the perfect way breathe new life into old cast-offs.

“I am really looking forward to introducing the joys of 'upcycling' to the shoppers of Lewisham Shopping this spring!” commented Barley Massey, Founder of Fabrications. “My team and I hope those visiting the centre join in on learning how to re-fashion your old clothes using sewing techniques (hand and on the machine) to give them a new lease of life and keep those clothes out of landfill!

“Whether you're a beginner or a budding seam-star, we will have many-a-creative clothing makeovers up our sleeves! From crafting on trend looks, reworking your old threads or simply some care and repair to restore wardrobe favourites. Open to all ages from 8+ with or without your own clothes to work on. We will be bringing along our treasure trove of recycled haberdashery and embellishments and pre upcycled samples to inspire the upcyclist in you!"

Sony Mistou, Marketing Manager at Lewisham Shopping, commented: “The team and I are really looking forward to supporting Shelter with our spring clean donation points and hope that our locals come out in force and drop off unwanted belongings. We know that each item will make a positive impact on those in need in Lewisham and beyond.

“We also hope everyone gets involved in the upcycling workshops, be brave and go for it! It’s a fantastic way to transform items that are lying around at home into something to cherish in time for spring and we’re pleased to be offering such a range of activities during the month of April”.

The spring recycling donation point will be in place from 1 – 30 April in Central Square. The centre is calling out for old clothes, books, CDs and DVDs and electrical items that are in a good condition.

The upcycling workshops will take place from April 13 – 15, and 17 10am – 5pm and will be free to take part. Shoppers just need to bring their old unwanted items to get involved. Lewisham Shopping Centre has 65 shops covering the best of high street names. For more information please visit www.lewishamshopping.co.uk.

Submitted by Lucy Newman