Derby food charity expands to launch new furniture project in the city

A Derby charity tackling food insecurity has set up a new furniture and electrical project to help people who are struggling with the impact of rising cost of living after the pandemic.

Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance, which is based in Osmaston Road, will launch its Furniture and Electrical Project this month. It will redistribute second-hand furniture and white goods to people who might not be able to afford them – with the aim of diverting them from landfill.

Earlier this year, Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance secured a £10,000 prize to set up the project after being voted the most popular new waste reduction enterprise in a social media vote.

Paul Brookhouse, manager of Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance, will also oversee the running of the Furniture and Electrical Project.  He 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.

“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.”

After a public vote in July, the Derby Furniture and Electrical Project was announced as the winner of Biffa’s national Change Makers competition, which was launched to celebrate innovative grassroots organisations working hard to reduce waste and its impact on the environment.

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.

“Launching a furniture project has always been on our agenda. Alongside re-use and redistribution, recycling produces fewer emissions than disposal and having to use virgin materials to make new goods from scratch. This not only helps in the fight against climate change but ensures the preservation of valuable natural resources.”

Paul at DF4TA says the Furniture and Electrical Project will ensure that people who are setting up home don’t have to make the choice between buying household items and feeding their families.

He said: “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.”

The Furniture and electrical Project wants to be able to offer people 10 core household items and is now appealing for good condition donations of single beds, double beds, fridges, freezers, electric cookers, microwaves, tables, chairs, small sofas, washing machines.

Paul said: “We know this project is going to be busy after our launch and we are enormously grateful for the support we have already received.”

If you can help DF4TA and its Furniture and Electrical Project or would like to volunteer on the project, email home @ df4ta.com or call 01332 227730.