Pembrokeshire's community re-use organisation, FRAME, has been commended by Paul Davies AM for going from strength to strength.
Pembrokeshire FRAME has just won an industry award and now has plans to expand to a third premises in the north of the county.
The charity was set-up in 1994 and supports and employs people with a range of disabilities at its two bases in Pembroke Dock and Johnston. As part of their service, FRAME collects and redistributes donated bric-a-brac, household items, books and clothes as a means of providing practice for work, training and employment opportunities.
"At a time when we are all being encouraged to re- use and recycle, Pembrokeshire FRAME is leading the way in a socially responsible way," said Preseli Pembrokeshire AM, Mr. Davies.
"I was very impressed by the work being done at the Johnston base and think this is a very worthwhile project on many different levels." FRAME has employed 200 people in the past 12 months, and helped many of them move on to paid employment or volunteering opportunities.
It has have just been awarded Star Social Firm status by Social Firms UK.. FRAME is the first social firm in Wales to receive this new award, which is the social enterprise equivalent of an Investors in People award.
FRAME chief executive officer, Jenny Sims, said: "Over the years, FRAME has become expert at seeing beyond disability to help people to learn, or relearn, the skills required to work.
"When we could afford to employ people, our skilled clients became the obvious choice. Star Social Firm status validates our commitment to the people we aim to help.
"We hope that by becoming a Star Social Firm we can inspire other people to set up organisations that make a difference to people's lives and the community as a whole."
• If you would like to volunteer for FRAME, call 01437 891816, or if you have re-useable items that they may be interested in, then contact them on 01437 891221.