Free furniture and electricals for Derby families facing cost of living crisis
Derby charity Food 4 Thought has set up a new furniture and electrical project in order to help people dealing with the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
The Osmaston Road organisation is helping families furnish their homes with new electrical items and furniture for those who face "choosing between household items and feeding their families".
The charity usually tackles food insecurity through its network of food banks across the city. However they are now focusing on redistributing second-hand furniture and white goods to those who can't afford them.
READ MORE:14 minor ailments no longer treated by the NHS as it cracks down on free prescriptions
READ MORE:NHS warns Brits to stay home if they have these three signs of Covid as new XEC strain spreads
Paul Brookhouse, manager of Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance, said: “This new project will provide essential household furniture and kitchen appliances to people in our city who need a helping hand. We will be supporting people facing furniture poverty across all walks of life including families, elderly people struggling with the rising cost of living and those fleeing domestic violence.
“In our first year, we want to help between 200 and 400 households and divert as many as 1,000 pieces of furniture and electrical items from going to waste."
This project also has a secondary aim of reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill as all items are donated second-hand. The charity were able to secure £10,000 as a part of the Biffa Change-Maker Scheme, after being voted the most popular new waste reduction enterprise on social media.
Paul said: "Biffa’s prize money has already made a huge difference. We have been able to secure a dedicated space to store furniture and build an organised team. As well as the prize money to invest in the project, we will also receive tailored business support from Biffa, which is the UK leader in sustainable waste management."
The new project will focus on offering people 10 core household items and they are appealing for good condition donations of the following:
Single beds
Double beds
Fridges
Freezers
Electric cookers
Microwaves
Tables
Chairs
Small Sofas
washing machines
Paul continued: “We have been extremely busy collecting furniture. Already, local businesses and members of the public have been very generous. Our storage unit is starting to fill up and soon will become a hive of activity.
"We want to help people in Derby who need essential furniture and electrical goods for their homes. People can be referred to us from city agencies, projects, churches and business communities.”
If you would like any more information about how to get involved with the project, Paul will be hosting a referral information session during on Tuesday, October 15, at Urban Church on Charnwood Street, Derby, and a volunteer information session on Wednesday, October 16, at the project's warehouse at 20 Shaftesbury Street South, Derby.