Accessible Care and Lifestyles Services (ACALS) conducts a “Upcycle Recycle” program that teaches participants to refurbish old furniture. ACALS public relations and networking officer Natalia Vilches, says the program is “designed to build client’s capacity, and ability to use new tools and to explore their creativity.” She also says participants in the program “also get to socialise around the lunch table, communicate and engage while enjoying a beautiful hot meal.”

She said participants own this lunch space and enjoy holding conversations with fellow participants. The ACALS staff take a step back during these lunch sessions, so clients feel they are spending the day with their friends.

The Upcycle Recycle participant Shane Carter says he “looks forward to his weekly get-togethers at Upcycle Recycle and enjoys the socialisation.” Shane says, “You get to choose the activity you want to do.”  He adds “I enjoy the hands-on side of things. I’ve never been very handy. I’ve never done any woodwork before. But the ACALS staff see if you have an interest in something and they help you with it.”

Shane enjoys working with the staff also. He says, “they are very approachable – nothing is too much of a drama with them. They genuinely take an interest in you and genuinely put you on the right track.”

Visit the friendly team from ACALS at the Sydney Disability Connection Expo on 16th and 17th June 2023.