In summer 2026, our Honesty Library in Castle Quarter received a makeover, thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers from Rippleacts CIC, a local social enterprise offering pro bono practical projects for charities.
Over eight weeks, the volunteers redecorated and upgraded the space, incorporating their own creative ideas. A new fitting room was the centrepiece of their efforts, and the result is a brighter, more versatile community space, reopened to the public at a celebratory event alongside our summer clothing sale on 13th August.
The work was carried out by participants from Rippleacts, a Norwich based social enterprise supporting long-term unemployed people to (re-)discover their strengths and passion, and make a lasting change to their lives. Practical projects like this teach participants transferable skills, renewing their confidence and empowering them through their contribution to a local good cause. The Honesty Library makeover was their seventh “Ripple” project, following a new garden for St Augustine’s Church and an improved community space for Shoebox Enterprises.
Sue Harris, our Founder and CEO, said: “We are delighted with improvements carried out by the Rippleacts volunteers, they have incorporated their own creative ideas and have really maximised the space and created something to be proud of.”
Following completion of the work, the New-U team has been adding the finishing touches to the space such as adding full-length mirrors, and the fitting room opened, ready for our Glitz & Glam event on 19th November, for its first official use.
The Honesty Library sits alongside our pre-loved clothing boutique in the heart of Norwich and plays a key role in what we do: a welcoming hub for pop-up sales, community events and the wider public. The renovation has made it a space we’re proud to share.
Laura Blackwell, New-U project manager, said: “It was great getting to know the participants over the course of the project and seeing their skills and confidence grow. The addition of the fitting room is a game changer for us.”
