Basingstoke and Deane’s Mayor Cllr Sean Keating praised the Community Furniture Project’s work when he relaunched the charity’s newly-refurbished premises. 

The charity runs a popular shop in Joule Road, Basingstoke, which recycles donated furniture and household items and sells it at a discount to those in need. 

Not only does the project help prevent unwanted items going to waste, it provides training opportunities for people in the community to learn new life skills. This includes adults with learning and physical disabilities, mental health problems and young people not in mainstream education. 

Work experience is given in woodwork, re-upholstery, electrical repair, bicycle repair, forklift truck driving, IT and compiling databases. 
Cllr Keating presented certificates to the charity’s trainees and toured the facilities which have recently been updated.  

He said: “I am very impressed with the community spirit and excellent support given to local disadvantaged people at the Community Furniture Project’s Basingstoke premises. 

“Whether you are out of work and want to learn new skills – or looking for a piece of furniture or equipment for your home, this charity has plenty on offer. 

“Well done to the trainees – they can now move forward with confidence in the future.” 

The borough council has supported the charity over the past three years with Community and Voluntary Sector Programme grants totalling £55,803 and a Local Infrastructure Fund grant of £25,200 for a capital project which has paid for the new flooring, improved lighting, an accessible toilet and a fire alarm system. 

Over the next three years, the council will also provide a further grant totalling £53,862 to the charity to further develop its Five Steps training programme. 

The Mayor added: “I am pleased to see the council supporting such a worthwhile community project.” 
You can support The Community Furniture Project by: 
•             donating furniture and electrical goods  
•             buying low cost furniture from them  

For more information, including opening times, making donations and purchases, please visit www.cfpnewbury.org or call 01256 320700