County Durham Furniture Help Scheme moved into a small unit based at Chilton Industrial Estate in October 2004 run by four volunteers. Before this a small Scheme operated from a few small, garages in Newton Aycliffe which became too small so premises more suitable were necessary. Chris Palmer from Aycliffe was the founder and provided this service as a member of St. Mary’s Church.
The move to Chilton gave opportunities to take other larger units adjacent with the help of Business Durham and the County Council who understand the business and property needs.
CDFHS are on the verge of having facilities totally compatible to the flexible and changing nature of this steadily growing Charity. County Durham Furniture Help Scheme was rebranded in 2014 with a new image. They have just acquired Unit 22 with a total of 18,099 sq ft of floor space which enabling them to increase overall capacity to receive donated goods and deliver increasing amounts of affordable furniture regionally.
CDFHS also provides quality work experience for the local Jobcentres and DWP contractors. The additional space will allow work in employability, advice and guidance, “Up cycling” work in furniture restoration “Shabby Chic” funded by the National Lottery is also adding staff and donations.
CDFHS offer training in a semi-formal setting, encouraging home based small enterprise start-ups. The increased space will help grow this significant part of CDFHS improving their external presentation by working with several arms of the County Council in partnership.
As a trusted partner in Welfare Assistance delivery for DCC they are keyed in with the region’s largest Credit Union NE First, offering low cost affordable loans or direct Council support for individuals to get affordable furniture of the best quality possible in their homes.
CDFHS is a Durham Foodbank referrer and combined with the MONKEY Project are now working jointly with all of the Counties Housing Associations to encourage tenants to come to us for furniture, volunteering or work experience opportunities.
CDFHS contribute significantly to the County’s waste reduction targets winning the County Durham Environment Award.
April saw them open a “Pop Up” shop in Chester le Street with very favourable reviews. They are working with local community groups such as Bullion Hall to grow volunteering opportunities with the CDFHS in the north of the County.
CDFHS have started to provide new beds manufactured in the UK and bought locally at a great price. Customers can buy a brand new factory sealed bed single from £85.00 and £109.00 for a plain double or £129.00 for a more superior item. CDFHS thank Business Durham for the support, backing, meetings, discussions, joint planning and betterment of the organisation. We have gained external funding from outside the area, supporting our operations bringing a form of inward investment into the area.
