Furnish a home

Today’s ‘throwaway’ society has left landfill sites overflowing with waste.

But for almost 20 years, one Canterbury-based charity has been quietly doing its bit to reduce the load.

Necessary Furniture recycles unwanted tables, chairs, sofas, beds, cabinets and white goods that would otherwise be taken to the tip.

They sell them at bargain prices, largely to low income families or individuals who might otherwise be tempted to get themselves into debt by financing new purchases.

Their efforts mean that every year, a staggering 400 tons of unwanted goods is spared from landfill.

Operating from a warehouse on the Canterbury Business Park at Hersden, the charity recently had the opportunity to expand into an adjoining unit with an extra 6.700 sq ft and say the result is much better for customers, staff and volunteers.

Marketing manager Steve Mellors said: “We now have two separate areas for displaying and sorting goods, which makes it easier for customers to browse and nicer for staff who now have better facilities and working areas for things like repairs.”

The showroom has around 10,000 sq ft of display area where shoppers can snap up bargain secondhand furniture, including things like sofas for around £30 and a fully working washing machine for £40.

Steve said: “We operate all over east Kent, collecting and delivering furniture. It’s amazing what people want to throw out simply because it doesn’t fit in with new decoration or they are downsizing. We get some very nice quality stuff.

“What we do really helps whole communities and is ultimately a win-win result.

“Using Necessary Furniture means that it is possible for a family to furnish a two-bedroom house with very basic essentials, including white goods, for around £300, which can transform a hardup family’s life.”

The project initially sought and supported customers from within the benefits and welfare system but has revised the way it operates due to high demand.

Now it is able to offer the service to anyone who needs it, including low-income families, students or

Necessary Furniture’s sorting and delivery depo

Necessary Furniture volunteers Louise Houston and Yvonne Sancto