Inside Southampton Scrapstore which is full of second-hand craft materials

Southampton Scrapstore is packed with everything from fabrics and papers to old IKEA stock and more.

But this supply store is more than a sweetshop for creatives – it helps prevent waste from ending up in landfill too.

The store in Belgrave Industrial Estate was created 37 years ago by the council but later became a charity.

Since then, the volunteer-run store has supported schools, charities, organisations, and individuals through projects and by simply offering affordable craft supplies.

Trustee Dee O’Neill said: “We take what we call ‘dry waste’ from industries, so anything that can be used for creativity.

Southampton Scrapstore Trustees Dee O'Neill (right) and Ann Waller (Image: Maya George, Newsquest)

“Our key purpose is to be a very cheap resource for education, the community, and even church groups, along with those who do not have a lot of money.

“Everything in the store is something that has not ended up going to landfill, and people can use it.

“Individual, yearly memberships cost £19.50 and memberships for schools cost £65. People can come in, grab a large IKEA bag and fill it with scrap.”

Southampton Scrapstore

There are reams and reams of unwanted surplus and waste goods packed into the store.

From old IKEA display rugs to Dior wrapping paper and a whole room dedicated to various fabrics, Southampton Scrapstore is brimming with materials.

Southampton Scrapstore

And members can always expect new stock thanks to a constant flow of donations.

Dee said: “We don’t want the same stuff on the shelves day in and day out, so we move through stock fairly quickly.

“We are trying to stop stuff from going to landfill, particularly things that are reusable and can be used to support community projects.

Southampton Scrapstore (Image: Maya George, Newsquest)

“This is a great and cheap resource for people. People are becoming more aware of the environment and with money being tight as well, they are thinking of ways of repurposing and making things

“And for us as trustees it’s important that we go into the community and help.

“In the past two years especially, people have been struggling with their mental health and arts and crafts has been proven to help with mental stimulation.”