This year, Hampshire-based charity Tools for Self Reliance celebrates an incredible milestone, 45 years of helping people build better futures through vocational training projects and tool provision.
What started in 1980 as a small, practical idea – collecting unwanted tools in the UK to send overseas – has grown into a dynamic livelihood development charity with international reach. Today, nearly 400 volunteers refurbish tools and sewing machines to support trainees across Africa, equip apprentices in the UK, and fund vocational training, business development, and transition-to-work projects. The charity also demonstrates a powerful example of circular economy in action, keeping thousands of tools out of landfill and giving them a new purpose, whilst supporting people as they build livelihoods through technical trades.
To mark this special anniversary, the charity has launched its Tea for Tools fundraising campaign, with the ambitious goal of raising £45,000 between 1st July and 31st August. The funds will help ensure even more people can access training, gain confidence, and become financially self-reliant.
“Turning 45 is a chance to celebrate everything we’ve achieved together,” said Chief Executive, Sarah Ingleby, “from a handful of volunteers with a big idea to a UK-wide network helping people change their lives every day. We’re so proud of our roots in the local community, and we hope people will get behind Tea for Tools this summer to help us reach even more people.”
As part of the appeal, the Dalgleish Trust has pledged to match the first £10,000 of donations made before 31st August, meaning every pound donated goes twice as far.
Donations will help support projects like the upcoming vocational training programme in Nkhotakota, Malawi, where 40 young people will train in trades such as welding, tailoring, and solar installation.
To bring people together and raise vital funds, a Tea for Tools community event will be held on Saturday, 9th August at the charity’s Netley Marsh HQ, featuring tool and haberdashery sales, plus tea and cake for a good cause.
Help us celebrate 45 years of Tools for Self Reliance by helping raise £45,000 this summer.
Donate now at: www.tfsr.org/tea-for-tools-match-funding
Or through Just Giving: www.justgiving.com/campaign/tea4tools2025
Tea for Tools Sale
When: Saturday 9th August – 12pm – 3pm
At: Tools for Self Reliance, Ringwood Road, Netley Marsh, Southampton, SO40 7GY
