A father and son team are calling for the community to support a social enterprise they feel passionately about.
John Oliver started a six-month work placement with the More Time Furniture Scheme, based at the IES Centre, at Horndale Avenue on Aycliffe Business Park, two years ago, and made the decision to stay as a volunteer.
Six months ago, Groundwork NE & Cumbria referred John’s son, Paul Oliver, to the Furniture Scheme for a work placement, and as that experience has also come to an end, he was also keen to remain as a full time volunteer.
“I had very low self confidence when I started here six months ago,” he said.
“But with the support of the staff and the other volunteers, my confidence has grown, and they’ve brought me out of my shell. We love it here.”
The Scheme are keen to increase their volunteer numbers, and are also appealing for donations of stock to help support their affordable furniture scheme.
The project is managed by More Time UK, and its staff pride themselves on offering a flexible and friendly service.
Volunteers are also paramount to the success of the project, and there are a range of opportunities, from customer service skills, sales and admin, to furniture operatives and drivers mate.
The scheme is open to the general public and aims to help families on low income furnish their homes at low cost, as well as those looking for some quirky items of furniture.
John and Paul also want the community to be aware of what the Furniture Scheme requires.
“We take in saleable items, refurbish and offer them at affordable prices,” said John.
“Please think twice before throwing anything away. We currently need furniture, white goods and children’s furniture, and are able to collect free of charge. Collections can be arranged at a time and date to suit you.”
If you would like to donate good quality, saleable furniture to the project, collections are free. To arrange collection of items, or to request a volunteering application form, contact Pat Smith (Furniture Coordinator) on 01325 731294 or email [email protected]
More information can be found on their website, at www.moretimeonline.com