Bell House

Upcycle’s Heartwarming Partnership with Bell House

At Upcycle, we believe in the power of transformation—whether it’s giving discarded materials a second life or helping individuals find purpose through creative engagement. Our partnership with Bell House, a private psychiatric care facility in Allens Nek, Roodepoort, is a shining example of how upcycling can go beyond environmental benefits to foster healing, connection, and empowerment.

Bell House is more than a place of care; it is a sanctuary where individuals facing burnout, trauma, depression, anxiety, and other challenges are given the support they need to rebuild their lives. When Nicole, a passionate and dedicated member of the Bell House team, sought meaningful activities to engage residents, she found the perfect ally in Upcycle.

At Upcycle, we don’t just repurpose materials—we create opportunities. Through our collaboration with Bell House, we have introduced activities that not only reduce waste but also give residents a sense of accomplishment and belonging.

Residents now play an essential role in the upcycling process by engaging in simple yet impactful tasks such as cutting fabric scraps for pillow stuffing, untangling donated T-shirt yarn, removing zips from old garments, and debranding pens. While these tasks may seem small, they are vital steps in creating high-quality, sustainable products that benefit communities in need.

Recently, Winnie from Upcycle visited Bell House to showcase the end results of their efforts. The joy and pride on the residents’ faces as they saw their contributions transformed into dog beds, pillows, and eco-friendly footstools were priceless. This wasn’t just ‘busy work’—it was purposeful engagement, demonstrating how their efforts are a crucial part of a larger, impactful change.

Our collaboration with Bell House is about more than just tasks—it’s about fostering dignity, connection, and healing. Upcycle provides knowledge, materials, and ongoing support, ensuring that residents are always engaged in meaningful projects. In return, Bell House provides a caring space where individuals can contribute without pressure or financial burden.

Beyond upcycling tasks, Bell House residents are also involved in other sustainable initiatives, such as making eco-bricks—plastic bottles packed with non-recyclable waste that Upcycle transforms into functional furniture. They have also painted recycled steppingstones for nursery school hopscotch games, further reinforcing the idea that small contributions can lead to big changes.

At Bell House, these activities take place in a stress-free, supportive atmosphere. With music playing in the background, conversations flowing, and no rigid deadlines, residents are encouraged to participate at their own pace. Many struggles with anxiety or motor skill challenges due to medication side effects, so Upcycle’s approach is designed to be inclusive and accommodating. The focus is on engagement, not just productivity.

Nicole, with her deep commitment to the residents’ well-being, ensures that activities are tailored to their abilities and interests. Her dedication aligns perfectly with Upcycle’s mission—to make upcycling accessible and beneficial to all, regardless of background or circumstance.

Upcycle is about more than reducing waste—it’s about transforming lives. Through our work with Bell House, we’ve seen firsthand how upcycling can provide purpose, improve mental well-being, and create a ripple effect of positive change. This is why our efforts don’t stop at just providing materials—we offer continuous support, training, and new ideas to ensure that this partnership remains enriching for everyone involved.

The collaboration between Bell House and Upcycle proves that when people come together with compassion and creativity, they can make a real difference. Every stitch, every cut fabric square, and every upcycled item tells a story of resilience, hope, and renewal.

Join us at Upcycle in our mission to turn waste into opportunity and transform communities—one project at a time.