First Fruit

First Fruit is a close-knit group of social businesses, projects and hostels based in the London Borough of Newham. Their goal is to provide accommodation, employment and work-related training for homeless people and for those who are long-term unemployed.

The organisation is founded on Christian principles, but works with people of all faiths and none. They are pioneering cross-denominational approaches to making a real impact on the local community and breaking down the sacred/secular divide. First Fruit was founded in 1997 by Rev Peter and Mrs Hannah Watherston and now employ around thirty people across the organisation, and accommodate fourteen men in their two hostels.

One of these projects is First Fruit Warehousing, where unwanted office furniture sent by large companies for re-sale to community groups prevents it ending up on landfill sites and gives employment and training to previously unemployed people. The furniture consists of items like desks, office chairs, carpet tiles and filing cabinets, all in good condition and sold at a fraction of the normal cost. So if any projects are thinking of setting up an office, this would be the place to try first, rather than paying full price somewhere.

Another of their projects is called Aspire, a 'not for profit' organisation working with local churches and others to provide work opportunities for unemployed and homeless people by recycling clothes, shoes, textiles and mobile phones. Churches can participate through 'Aspire Sundays' when the congregation would bring their unwanted clothes to church on Sunday and, by arrangement, Aspire would collect them from you the following Monday or Tuesday. They will provide you with clothes collection bags and mobile phone pouches. If you want to arrange to do this, please ring Scott Gamble on 020-7511 7182. He can also discuss the siting of an Aspire Clothing Recycling Bank at your premises, if you wish.

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