Community-Made Handicrafts

Rag Tag 'n' Textile is a Scotland-based social enterprise that works with people recovering from mental health issues. An eco devotee might ask, "Why recycle when you can upcycle?" But Rag Tag 'n' Textile might ask, "Why simply upcycle when you can help to solve social problems?" The result creates something of a triple bottom line. By including -- and really including -- recovering individuals into the organization, the team works to allow for training with the end result of employment.

Rag Tag 'n' Textile, which has a retail unit and two workshops, focuses on confidence-building and skill-sharing techniques coupled with a recovery process that is welcoming, non-judgmental, holistic and stigma-reducing. In addition to the day-to-day work, the organization delivers workshops for children, community education classes, small craft business development and ongoing partnerships. Since March of 2009, over 600 people have been given support or training through Rag Tag 'n' Textile. Training opportunities include weaving, sewing, dressmaking, bookbinding, card-making and rag-rugging.

Consciousness of the environment is embedded into the inner-workings of Rag Tag 'n' Textile: recycled textiles are the bread and butter of production. In the past three years, the social enterprise has recycled about eight and a half tons of textiles -- giving a second chance to unwanted goods. This adds up to 13 and a half tons of carbon offset.

Rag Tag 'n' Textile is an example of how to use business practices in such a way that helps to solve social issues -- and empowers people along the way.

Contact Information:
Rag Tag 'n' Textile Website
Workshop 1 & 2 The Steadings
Balmacara Square
Nr Kyle of Lochalsh
Highlands, Scotland
IV40 8DJ
Telephone: 01599 566793