Austin Willett, General Manager of ReStore Community Projects, insists the organisation is no different from any other furniture and white goods re-use organisation anywhere else in the country. However, that said, they clearly do what they do very well. Since it started in 1996, ReStore has grown considerably to become one of the biggest furniture and appliance reuse organisations in London.

In its simplest terms, ReStore ensures that unwanted furniture and white goods reach those who desperately need them. The local community benefits in a number of ways from their work – significant tonnes are diverted from landfill and donors have the satisfaction of knowing that their unwanted items will be reused, not merely disposed of. More importantly they provide a crucial service to socially disadvantaged individuals and families who cannot afford to be paying first hand prices. People who have been referred to ReStore by one of their more than 200 partner agencies are able to visit the warehouse and select items of furniture for their homes at little or no cost. By working with these partner agencies, including social services, mental health and asylum seekers units and housing associations, ReStore can ensure that the furniture is only ever passed onto those who genuinely cannot afford to buy furniture on the open market.

Restore also helps the local community by providing volunteer and training placements, particularly for the long-term unemployed and those carrying out community service. As a result, these volunteers and trainees are gaining valuable skills and experience which should help them to secure full-time employment.

Case study published in November 2005