A burst pipe flooded Ragtag Arts & Community Scrapstore in Kendal, forcing us to close while repairs happen. Insurance will fix the building, but it won’t cover our lost income - we’re fundraising to keep our team employed and get our workshops running in a temporary space over the next 6 months.

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Hi, we’re Ragtag Arts & Community Scrapstore, a creative community space in Kendal where scrap becomes something brilliant.

We run pay-as-you-feel workshops, youth projects, carnival-making, and a community scrapstore that helps local people create while keeping good materials out of landfill. On any normal week you’ll find families popping in after school, young people building confidence in Youth Arts, makers rummaging for supplies, and folk having a cuppa while they plan their next crafty idea. Ragtag is a place that says: you’re welcome here.

What’s happened

After returning from our Christmas break, we discovered a burst pipe that flooded our café and scrapstore. The water damage is significant - floors, walls and ceilings need repairs and we’ve had to clear and salvage what we can.

Our insurance will cover the building repairs and damaged items. What it won’t cover is the loss of earnings while we’re closed.

And that’s the bit that really threatens our future.

Why we’re fundraising

If we shut our doors for the next 6 months, we won’t survive it. We need to keep running workshops and programmes - not just for income, but because these sessions matter to the people who rely on them.

So we’re working urgently to secure a temporary venue in Kendal for the next 6 months, so we can keep delivering sessions like Carnival Club and Youth Arts, keep our community connected and keep our staff employed.

Our volunteers are at the heart of Ragtag

Ragtag isn’t just a place to shop or take a workshop, it’s a lifeline for a lot of people.

We’re incredibly proud of our regular volunteers who help keep everything ticking along, including our ReMake Scheme which supports people with disabilities to be part of something creative, social and meaningful. For many, Ragtag is routine, purpose, confidence, friendship and a sense of belonging.

If we disappear for 6 months, it doesn’t just pause our programme - it leaves a big hole in people’s lives. Keeping Ragtag running in a temporary home means we can keep welcoming our volunteers, keep that supportive routine going, and keep our community connected.

What your donation will help pay for

Your support will go towards keeping Ragtags going while the building is repaired, including:

If you can’t donate

Sharing this fundraiser is a massive help. And if you know of a suitable temporary space in Kendal (for workshops, storage, or both), please get in touch.

Thank you

Ragtag exists for the community and we’ve always tried to show up with creativity, warmth, and a bit of scrappy optimism. Right now we’re asking our community to help us get through a really tough patch.

Every donation, share, and message of support keeps us moving forward. Thank you for having our backs.

With love,

Team Ragtag x