The Wee Swap

20/10/2024

All of our surplus donations from The Wee Swap have now found new homes!

Thank you to Blossoms Belfast for taking the baby items up to 1yrs, and to Vicky for suggesting and facilitating the donation.

And thank you to Anaka Women's Collective for taking the remaining clothes and maternity wear, I hope your little ones enjoy their new-to-them clothing.

Something I didn't expect when I started this project was to be introduced to so many brilliant charities and organisations supporting our communities locally. So thanks again to The Wee Swap community for the donations and allowing us to give your children's items a second life.

16/10/2024

It takes a village to raise an idea.

The Wee Swap happened last Sunday and I think the photographs speak for themselves - it was a magical afternoon.

But it was a community that helped pull this together so I'd like to do a few shout outs ❤️

Thank you to Belfast 2024 for funding the event, which enabled me to hire the wonderful artists - the Bank of Ideas funding model allowed individuals, supported by sponsors, to avail of funding so a big shout out to Connswater Community Greenway EastSide Partnership for acting as my sponsor.

If it wasn't for Ulster University's 25@25 programme, I likely would never have had the confidence to do something like this for my community. I'm very grateful for that experience.

Banana Block provided the space free of charge and were hugely supportive of the concept. East Belfast Mission provided the unit space which enabled us to collect, store and sort donations.

Thank you to NIRN - Northern Ireland Resources Network for connecting me with the storage solution and attending on the day to educate attendees about other sustainable initiatives.

Brilliant artists supported the event and made the concept of swapping just magical for the kids. Thank you to Angeline Murphy Design Ro Owens Play Make-Believe and Just Peachy Parties NI. And thank you to Carrie Davenport Photography for the amazing pics!

And finally, thank you to my friends and family for supporting me on the weekends...the idea and interest grew quickly and if not for my helpers, it couldn't have happened. So thank you to Colum, Pat, Patricia, Matt, Hannah, Jenny, Allen, Cormac, Rob, Bernie, Rachael, Kevin, Laura, , Cathy, Anne, Claire, Hannah, Adam, Jamie, Juliette, Noel, Sarah M, Sarah C, Bernard, Susie, Aine, Clare, David, Anna, Bill, Katie, Allie and Baby Tiernan.

Thank you to everyone who donated, attended on the day and have since reached out to share little anecdotes for the event. I'd love to do this again and build a wee swap community with you all.

And thank you to my Nephew Henry for modelling the donations and sharing his first birthday with The Wee Swap 💙

13/10/2024

10/10/2024

Family Fun at The Wee Swap! 🎨

Join us for an exciting day of creativity and sustainability at The Wee Swap, Sunday 13th October at Banana Block, East Belfast! Even if you're not attending the swap, bring your kids down to enjoy a variety of FREE activities. Here's what's happening:

✨ Drop in & Stitch with Angeline Murphy (BBC's Great British Sewing Bee alumni) - Get hands-on with upcycling in this fun hand-sewing workshop. Perfect for little designers!

🎨 Big Art & Wee Crafts with Ro Owens - Help create a community mural using recycled materials or get crafty with Halloween-themed bunting!

🌍 Eithne the Adventurer from Play Make-Believe - Embark on an imaginative journey of stories, swapping, and sustainability with this fun-filled storytelling session.

🎉 Face Painting by Just Peachy Parties

Bring the whole family and show the kids just how fun reuse and upcycling can be!

⏰ Artists & activities from 12pm onwards
📍 Banana Block, East Belfast.

Don’t miss out on a day full of creativity and community fun

Belfast 2024 Connswater Community Greenway EastSide Partnership Banana Block Angeline Murphy Design Ro Owens Play Make-Believe Just Peachy Parties NI

09/10/2024

Exciting Announcement! ✨

The Wee Swap is partnering with Flourish NI - a local charity with a mission to support survivors of human trafficking. Flourish NI provides tailored, long-term support to help survivors overcome trauma and rebuild their lives. Based on Newtownards Road, they’re an incredible organisation making a huge impact in our community.

While The Wee Swap is a free event—with no entry fee or expectations to pay—we’ve had a few people ask about how they can contribute. So, we’ve decided to support Flourish NI for those who wish to make a monetary donation on the day. It’s a great opportunity to give back locally while enjoying a day of community swapping, art, and fun.

One-off donation link here - https://flourishni.squarespace.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=5da9c070a2dc037095c4404d

Let’s swap, share, and support together! 💚

Belfast 2024 Flourish NI

07/10/2024

🌍 Curious About Other Sustainable Initiatives in Your Local Area? 🌍

We’re excited to announce that Northern Ireland Resource Network (NIRN) will be joining us at The Wee Swap on Sunday 13th October! NIRN - Northern Ireland Resources Network is committed to creating a Northern Ireland where reuse and repair are a part of everyday life. ♻️✨

They’ve been a huge support to The Wee Swap, and they’ll be available on the day to chat with attendees about other sustainable initiatives in the local area. Whether you’re looking to learn more about repair workshops, community swaps, or ways to integrate sustainability into your life, NIRN can help point you in the right direction! 🌱💬

This is a fantastic opportunity to find out how you can take part in even more projects that promote reuse, repair, and reduce waste—so be sure to stop by and say hello! 👋

Let’s spread the word and build a future where sustainability is for everyone. 🌍

06/10/2024

How Does The Wee Swap Work If You Didn’t Donate?

You’re still welcome to join us! From 1:30pm to 4pm on Sunday 13th October at Banana Block, the swap will be open to everyone, even if you didn’t donate in advance.

Here’s how it works:

Arrive anytime after 1:30pm, and you’ll be able to take whatever you need—clothes, toys, baby equipment, and more!

Make sure to bring a big bag and fill your boots! We’ve had loads of donations, including lots of newborn items—perfect for parents-to-be.

We’re no longer accepting donations, so no need to bring anything with you on the day. Just come, pick what you need, and enjoy!

Help spread the word and share this with anyone who might benefit!

04/10/2024

🌍✨ Join Eithne the Adventurer at The Wee Swap! ✨🌍

Eithne the Adventurer, brought to you by Play Make-Believe will be joining us on Sunday 13th October from 12pm - 3pm at Banana Block , East Belfast!

Eithne is an intrepid adventurer with a colossal imagination! She’ll take your little ones on a magical journey through storytelling, exploring the wonders of swapping, sustainability, and making new friends. 🧭🌱

Whether you're on the hunt for pre-loved treasures or simply looking for a fun day out with the kids, bring them along to meet Eithne and spark their curiosity for adventure and sustainability! 🌟

Register Here: https://lu.ma/tnr4da8p

Important Info:

First Dibs access to the swap (12pm - 1.30pm) is for those who have donated in advance.

Even if you don’t have First Dibs, you’re welcome to join Eithne the Explorer from 12pm and let your little ones enjoy the storytelling fun! 📖🎉

Don’t miss this exciting chance to be part of the Wee Swap community and explore the world of sustainability with Eithne! 🌍✨

EastSide Partnership Connswater Community Greenway Belfast 2024

03/10/2024

Do you care for small people? Stock Up for Free at The Wee Swap!

Join us on Sunday 13th October at Banana Block, East Belfast. From 1:30pm, the event is open to everyone, and you can take as much as you need—so bring a big bag and fill your boots!

We've received loads of donations of baby clothes and equipment, perfect for expectant parents to stock up on essentials. Please share this post with any friends/family who could benefit from the event!

We may have some items leftover—if you know of any groups in need, please let me know.

Note: We are no longer accepting donations for the event, and there will be no item drop-offs on the day.

Belfast 2024 Connswater Community Greenway EastSide Partnership Banana Block East Belfast Mission NIRN - Northern Ireland Resources Network

27/09/2024

Final donation day for The Wee Swap is this Sunday 29th September!

We've nearly reached our limit for accepting donations so it's likely that this Sunday will be the LAST CHANCE TO DONATE.

Please please please ensure that anything donated is in good condition and clean. Unfortunately we've received some donations lately, particularly toys, that aren't able to be swapped and we now need to dispose of them ourselves. This is a community volunteer initiative, please be mindful of what you're donating and don't use us as a disposal service 🙏

Belfast 2024 Connswater Community Greenway EastSide Partnership

26/09/2024

Some more donations for The Wee Swap modelled by my very cute nephew Henry.

UGGs are model's own.

25/09/2024

Big Art and Wee Crafts 🖌️🍂

Bring your family to The Wee Swap on Sunday 13th October and let the kids get stuck into Big Art and Wee Crafts with Artist Ro Owens while you pick out a few new-to-you goodies from the swap shop (after 1.30pm, you can take home whatever you want - no donation necessary!)

What is Big Art? 🌇

Using preloved and recycled materials we will create a landscape of Belfasts iconic sites - people are welcome to join in collaging/painting and decorating our patchwork mural! The Wee Swap's Big Art will capture the community presence on the day!

What are Wee Crafts? 🎃

Join us in creating fabric links of Halloween themed bunting using your choice of recycled materials!

We will also be making “ghost mobiles” out of recycled fabric and cardboard tubes! Creating items that are ‘New to You’ out of repurposed goods! We'll have some materials ready for you to use but your kiddos can also bring their own materials and recycled items to craft with.

About the Facilitator:

Ro Owens is a multidisciplinary artist based in Belfast. With a decade of facilitation experience, her art focuses on community, mindfulness and support. Ro has been funded through the Arts Council NI, and ‘The Imagine Ideas and Politics festival’ to deliver community art and support groups promoting openness and safety when it comes to conversations around mental health. Ro is excited to create a “ Big Art” community piece to capture the spirit of The Wee Swap, and to facilitate “Wee crafts” that individuals can make and bring home out of all recycled goods!

Please come along and join Ro on the day to create Big and Wee art!

Belfast 2024 EastSide Partnership Connswater Community Greenway Banana Block

22/09/2024

Ah here, that was a nice wee thing to read on a Sunday ❤️

Meg Magill hopes it will be a fun day out while educating kids about sustainability

20/09/2024

UPDATE: We are no longer accepting donations for the event as we've reached capacity. Thank you for your support!

Can't wait to meet more wee swappers this Sunday!

Anyone who donates gets First Dibs access (5 tokens to use between 12pm-1.30pm) to the Wee Swap event on Sunday 13th October. After 1.30pm, anyone can join and take home whatever they need.

Belfast 2024 EastSide Partnership

18/09/2024

🎨✨ Calling all crafty kids! ✨🎨

Join us for a super fun *Hand Sewing Workshop* at The Wee Swap where YOU get to upcycle your very own clothes! 👕👖 Bring along a piece of clothing you want to revamp, and we’ll help you stitch, sew, and add awesome embellishments to make it one-of-a-kind! 🧵💥

Don’t have anything to upcycle? No worries! We’ll create crafty bookmarks full of personality and fun from old jeans! 📚✨

This is your chance to get creative and show off your design skills! 😍

This is a drop-in workshop running from 12pm - 4pm during The Wee Swap. Open to everyone over 9 (or bring an adult if you're under!).

Register for The Wee Swap Here - https://lu.ma/tnr4da8p

About The Facilitator:

Angeline Murphy Design is a Northern Ireland Designer and Textile Artist. Angeline started sewing in 2005 and has since been showcasing her creations and upcycled designs on her social media channels.

After appearing on BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee Series 4, Angeline wanted to raise awareness of sewing and its benefits for mental health. Through making and mending workshops Angeline continues to spread the word of Sewing.

Angeline is a mum of three and works full time as a marketing manager. On a daily basis she is surrounded by sustainability and the impact of what we do. This made her question how sustainable fashion is and how she can encourage others to become more sustainable in their everyday life.

Connswater Community Greenway Belfast 2024

16/09/2024

📣The Wee Swap Shop 📣

We are delighted to be supporting a new project being funded through the Belfast City Council Bank of Ideas Initiative.

The Wee Swap is a fun event for all ages coming to Banana Block on Sunday 13th October. Donations are being gathered to include clothes, toys, maternity items and more 🙌

At the interactive event in October people will have the opportunity to come along and shop for pre-loved items while also learning a bit more about how sustainability and how to "make do and mend" through fun workshops.

Check out the social media page The Wee Swap to find out more about how to get involved!

08/09/2024

UPDATE: We are no longer accepting donations for the event as we've reached capacity. Thank you for your support!

1 week until The Wee Swap's 1st donation day!

Come say hello and drop off any donations next Sunday 15th September.

Location: The old House Proud Unit at Connwater Shopping Centre, Belfast BT5 5DL (beside Lidl)

Time: 12pm-3pm

Accepting: Children's clothes up to 13yrs, toys, books, items, baby equipment, nursery items, children's sports equipment, maternity wear.

Please ensure the clothes/items are in good condition and clean. As a helpful guide for what's acceptable, consider if you'd be happy to receive your item in return.

As a thank you for your donation, you'll get 'first dibs' at The Wee Swap event on Sun 13th October and 5 tokens to take home 5 new-to-you items for your children.

08/09/2024

UPDATE: We are no longer accepting donations for the event as we've reached capacity. Thank you for your support!

Donation Drive for The Wee Swap

Now accepting donations for The Wee Swap!

By donating, you'll get ‘first dibs’ at the swap event on Sunday 13th October at Banana Block, East Belfast. This first access runs from 12pm to 1:30pm, followed by open access and plenty of activities for kids—more details to come 👀

What You Can Donate:

👚 Children’s Clothes and Shoes: Newborn to age 13

🎃 Children’s Halloween Costumes

📚 Toys and Books

🍼 Baby Equipment: Bouncers, slings, nappy bags, playpens, etc. (please ensure they are in safe working order)

💤 Nursery Items: Bedding, blankets, nursery decor, etc.

⚽ Children’s Sports Equipment: Footballs, bicycles, helmets, etc.

🤰 Maternity Wear and Equipment

Please ensure all items are clean and in good, working condition. Each donor will receive 5 swap tokens for the event, regardless of donation size, with unlimited swapping after 1:30pm.

How to Donate?

You can drop off donations to me (Meg) on the following dates:

Dates: Sundays 15th/22nd/29th September and Saturday 5th October

Time: 12pm – 3pm

Location: The old House Proud Unit, Connswater Shopping Centre (beside Lidl), BT5 5DL

Can’t make a donation day? Arrange ad hoc donations at my home in East Belfast by DMing me here or on instagram

Thank you to East Belfast Mission for kindly providing the storage space to collect, store, and sort donations!

Note: No donations will be accepted on the day of The Wee Swap event. If unsure about what to donate, feel free to message me.

Special Thanks to Belfast 2024 and Eastside Greenways for supporting the event. And thank you all for supporting our community swap!