EU Project Experience

No experience

This organisation is new to EU funding and will be supported by the Access Europe team.

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EU Funding Goals

For the first 2 years we want to focus on building a network, learning, and participating as a partner in projects that are based around 2 main strands, employment pathways for people with criminal convictions (PWCs) as we are committed to providing employment opportunities to individuals with criminal convictions, by helping them gain valuable skills, work experience, and a renewed sense of purpose.

The second strand is around the Circular Economy. which prioritises the reduction of waste through the continuous use of resources. The organisation’s operations are designed to contribute to a more sustainable future by refurbishing, repairing, and recycling products that would otherwise contribute to landfill waste.

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Strengths

Our main strengths are based around the following:

Social Impact

‍Employment and Skill DevelopmentRenew addresses a critical social need by offering full-time employment opportunities to persons with criminal convictions—individuals who often face significant barriers to reintegration into society. By providing these individuals with jobs, Renew Enterprises helps them develop essential skills, gain qualifications, and build a job history that can open doors to future employment opportunities.

Statistics and Impact

• Employment and Training: Over the past six years, Renew Enterprises has employed numerous individuals, with a majority of these employees successfully reintegrating into the workforce. The organisation’s employment development pathway has been instrumental in this success, offering both in-house and external programmes focused on work experience, career development, personal growth, and training.
• Social Reintegration: A recent study highlighted that individuals who engage in meaningful work post-incarceration are 50% less likely to re-offend. (Irish Penal Reform Trust) Renew Enterprises’ model aligns with these findings, emphasising the importance of employment in reducing recidivism and promoting social cohesion.

Environmental Sustainability

Renew is a strong advocate for the circular economy, which prioritises the reduction of waste through the continuous use of resources. The organisation’s operations are designed to contribute to a more sustainable future by refurbishing, repairing, and recycling products that would otherwise contribute to landfill waste.

Key Services:

• E-Bike Hire: Offering sustainable transportation options while promoting the use of eco-friendly e-bikes, which reduce carbon emissions and encourage healthier lifestyles.
• Bicycle Repair and Servicing: Extending the life of bicycles through quality repairs, reducing the need for new purchases, and supporting sustainable transport initiatives.
• Furniture Production: Utilising reclaimed materials to create durable, high-quality furniture, Renew Enterprises reduces waste and promotes the reuse of resources.
• Paint Recycling: The organisation’s eco-friendly paint recycling program breathes new life into old surfaces, further embodying the principles of the circular economy.

Community Engagement and Education

Renew is not just a workplace; it is a community hub where individuals can learn, grow, and connect. The organisation offers a variety of community development programs, including workshops, courses, and social events designed to foster personal and professional growth.

Advocacy and Strategic Focus

Renew advocacy efforts are focused on three key strands: the circular economy, sustainability, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). By championing these causes, the organisation positions itself as a leader in both social justice and environmental stewardship.