18,500+
Life-changing skills learnt through our training projects
400+
Staff and volunteers keeping our work moving across the UK
15,700+
Tools sent this year to support workshops and small businesses
40+
Community projects supported across the UK and Africa
We are Tools For Self Reliance
We are a charity supporting people in Africa to learn a trade, earn a living and build brighter futures. We provide volunteering opportunities and practical projects here in the UK.
What we do
We help people build lasting change.
In Africa, we fund training that enables individuals to learn a trade and earn a living. In the UK, volunteers refurbish donated tools, giving them new purpose, and we also support national projects and apprenticeships here at home.
Find out moreWhere we work
Working locally in Africa, powered by volunteers in the UK
We work in Ghana, Malawi, Uganda and Zambia, partnering locally to provide skills training and toolkits. In the UK, our Netley Marsh headquarters supports volunteers nationwide who refurbish donated tools and fundraise to help make this work possible.
Support us
Your support can change lives
Every donation helps someone take their first steps towards a sustainable working future. We receive no government funding, and it’s people like you who make our work possible. By giving today, you’ll help provide training, and opportunities – the tools for people to build secure, independent livelihoods.
Find out moreStay connected with us
In Africa, we fund training that enables individuals to learn a trade and earn a living. In the UK, volunteers refurbish donated tools, giving them new purpose, and we also support national projects and apprenticeships here at home.
Donate tools
Your support can change lives
Please bring your tools, sewing machines, haberdashery items and plywood to our Netley Marsh workshops on Mondays and Tuesdays, between 10am – 4pm. Take a look at our ‘Tools We Need‘ list to find out how your donations can best support our work.
Please give us a call first on 02380 869697 to make sure we’re ready to help. We also have a network of volunteer collectors across the country – contact us to find out if there is a collector in your area.
Find out moreDonate to support
Donate today and empower communities to create lasting change. Your support provides opportunities that help build brighter, more secure working futures.
Featured Stories
Tool & Haberdashery Sales at our Netley Marsh Workshop
Celebrate our on-site store’s 2nd birthday with us! We will have a great range of tools and haberdashery for sale, as well as...
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Tools on Tour – Come and visit us!
Come and visit us and find good quality refurbished tools for the home and garden, sewing machines, haberdashery and craft supplies.
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The Big Spring Quiz 2026
It’s time to get your grey matter in gear for another super Tools for Self Reliance quiz and supper.
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Craft Workshops
Our lovely Craft2Craft volunteers have been helping us raise funds for over 10 years! Join them on Thursdays for informal crafting workshops.
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