The epidemic of looting that has taken place across the country this week, with its attendant bevy of talking heads pontificating about the ‘disenfranchised 5%’, the ‘fallout from our consumerist society’ etc etc makes a small project I heard about a couple of weeks ago seem an even better idea than it did at the time.
Brentwood Community Print is a print shop in Eagle Way in Warley – but it is not any old print shop. It was formed in April 2011 by a group of staff, volunteers and service users who had lost their funding for a work project which was helping people in recovery from mental health illness. Refusing to let their project die they started a Community Interest Company (a company that is run to benefit the community and not make profits for owners or shareholders) and took over Rethink Graphics where they print business stationery, flyers and leaflets and do your photocopying. To quote their flyer:
We produce high quality print at competitive prices
• We do this by providing work experience and training in a supported, safe environment to local people who are in various stages of recovery from mental health problems.
• We help rebuild confidence and self esteem, develop vocational and teamworking skills and support recovery.
• We aim to help people progress to adult education, volunteering and mainstream employment.
• We provide a valued service within the local community to businesses, charities, community groups and individuals.
With business cards at only £50 for 500 colour cards, they also provide a jolly cost effective service. Given what I have been quoted in north west London it is worth the extra postage to get them from Brentwood – which is exactly what I am about to do!
Anyone else who wishes to do so can call them on 01277 849021 or email Tim (a lovely, friendly sounding lad!) – sales@brentwoodcommunityprint.org.uk – and he’ll send you their rate card.