Refurnish Devon is the leading furniture and appliance reuse project in Devon with 7 projects providing services across more than half of Devon with further projects in development. The charity has to balance its aims between reducing waste, helping to alleviate poverty by providing low cost household goods to people on low income and providing meaningful work experience and employment for people who are socially excluded. The charity aspires to develop its training and support services through the medium of furniture restoration and upcycling. Current plans include the development of new projects in other areas of Devon to increase its coverage across Devon, creating economies of scale and a more robust management structure.
Refurnish Devon operates 7 Reuse projects in Devon that collect unwanted reusable furniture, appliances and other household goods, free of charge from people’s homes.
Electrical goods are tested and repaired and sold with a warranty. The majority of other goods are ready for reuse when collected although we now collect broken/tired furniture which is upcycled or repaired in small workshops and at our specialist upcycling project in Dartington.
Pensioners and people on benefits receive a 20% discount on furniture and appliances and volunteers receive an extra 20%. Our shops are open to all as we wish to encourage the environmental benefits of reuse to all sectors of society whilst helping to alleviate poverty by providing goods at a lower price to people on benefits.
We create employment, training and volunteering opportunities for people who are unemployed, retired, have learning disabilities or who are otherwise socially excluded.
Refurnish is seeking additional funding to further develop its workshop and training facilities to provide more structured environments for marginalised people to access a safe environment to improve their sense of well being whilst learning new skills.
