Furniture project up and running thanks to cash boost

A project run by Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance offering essential furniture and electrical items to people across the city is now up and running thanks to a cash boost.

The Furniture and Electrical Project aims to make sure no household in Derby goes without the furniture they need to live well.

From beds and cookers to tables and sofas, the project provides practical support to people make a home safely and with dignity.

Over recent months, DF4TA has been laying the foundations for the project – bringing in a dedicated project coordinator, setting up systems and welcoming the first volunteers.

With this groundwork now complete and with the recent awarding of £46,200 from the Severn Trent Community Fund, the project is now fully operational and ready to expand.

Paul Brookhouse, senior manager at DF4TA, said: “Now that the project is up and running, we’re in a strong position to offer the kind of practical support that can genuinely transform lives.

“A home isn’t just four walls — it’s about safety, belonging and having the basics in place to build a better future.

“Thanks to Severn Trent’s support, we can make sure more people in Derby have access to the essential items they need to make a fresh start.”

The Severn Trent Community Fund supports projects that improve community wellbeing across people, places and the environment.

Its funding means DF4TA can now operate at greater scale, with the capacity to collect, store and deliver donated items where they are needed most.

Looking ahead, the team is preparing to launch a new Electrical Testing Facility so that donated appliances – like fridges, washing machines and cookers – can be offered in the future.

With the project now open, the team is looking for new volunteers to join them.

They are especially looking for warehouse volunteers to sort and prepare furniture and drivers to help collect and deliver items across the city.

They are also on the lookout for a small premises in or near Derby to support the project’s next phase.

The space will need to be suitable for safely testing and preparing donated large electrical items, like cookers and washing machines, so these can be offered alongside furniture in the future.

If you can help the new Furniture and Electrical Project or would like to volunteer on the project, e-mail home@df4ta.com or call 01332 227730.

For more information or to make a donation, visit http://www.derbyfood4thoughtalliance.org.uk/get-support/furniture-and-electrical-goods.