Impact & Values

Proudly purpose-led and grounded in real lives.

At Chopsticks, everything we do is grounded in purpose, with a person-centred approach. We work alongside adults with learning disabilities to create meaningful opportunities, offering tailored support to help build confidence and make a positive impact in our local community.

From chopping kindling to crafting furniture, from clearing gardens to painting and sanding, our members are at the heart of it all. This is hands-on, everyday work that genuinely matters.

A firefighter in protective gear and helmet holding a fire hose, spraying water, while a man in a tan firefighter jacket stands next to him and a group of people watches in the background, with a fire truck visible.

We believe in:

  • Inclusion

    Everyone deserves the chance to take part, feel included and grow.

  • Purpose

    Meaningful work builds routine, confidence and independence.

  • Sustainability

    We reuse and repurpose, reducing waste and respecting the environment.

  • Community

    Our work connects people, places and partnerships across North Yorkshire.

  • Collaboration

    Members, staff, volunteers and partners work side by side.

These values guide how we run our workshop, welcome new members, support volunteers and build lasting partnerships.

The difference we make

Every piece of wood chopped, every product sold and every planter built makes a difference.

    • Tonnes of waste wood reused and recycled every year.

    • Thousands of bags of kindling packed and sold locally.

    • Furniture, planters and crafts built using donated or reclaimed materials.

    • Old furniture saved from landfill and repurposed to be useful again.

    • Members build skills in woodwork, garden care, teamwork, communication and life skills.

    • Confidence grows through hands-on work, a sense of achievement and public recognition.

    • We support people to learn and conquer new skills, gain independence, be part of their community and, hopefully, move into work placements — either as a volunteer or in paid employment.

    • Partnerships with local businesses, councils and organisations.

    • Strong ties with care settings, parents and supported living providers.

    • Donations, events and fundraisers bringing people together year-round.

Man in safety goggles and yellow vest hammering a nail into wood in a woodworking workshop.

Real people

Real outcomes

Three people standing together holding a framed certificate. The person on the left is a man with glasses and a teal polo shirt with a logo. The person in the middle is a girl with glasses and a blue hoodie, making a funny face. The person on the right is a man with glasses, a black jacket, and a black cap with the same logo as the polo shirt. Behind them is a wall with wooden panels and a framed picture of a person making a funny face in a kitchen. The certificate indicates they are winners of a photography competition.
Two men standing in a kitchen, holding certificates, smiling at the camera. One is young with a beard and a cap, the other is older with grey hair. Behind them are kitchen shelves, a picture frame, and a fire safety sign.

Whether it’s Barry winning a photography award or Dan and David completing the Nidderdale Charity Walk & Run, the stories behind the scenes are what matter most.

You can read more about our workspaces and day-to-day activities on our What we do page.

Our ongoing

mission

We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, but there’s always more to do. We’re always improving and finding new ways to make Chopsticks even more inclusive, welcoming and sustainable. If you share our values, there are lots of ways to get involved: