A new project offering essential furniture and electrical items to people across Derby is now fully up and running — thanks to a £46,200 grant from the Severn Trent Community Fund. The Furniture and Electrical Project (FEP), run by Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance, (DF4TA), aims to make sure no household in Derby goes without the furniture they need to live well. From beds and cookers to tables and sofas, the project provides practical support to people make a home safely and with dignity.
Over recent months, DF4TA has been laying the foundations for the project — bringing in a dedicated project coordinator, setting up systems, and welcoming the first volunteers. With this groundwork now complete and Severn Trent’s funding in place, the project is fully operational and ready to expand.
Paul Brookhouse, Senior Manager at DF4TA, said: “Now that the project is up and running, we’re in a strong position to offer the kind of practical support that can genuinely transform lives.
“A home isn’t just four walls — it’s about safety, belonging and having the basics in place to build a better future. Thanks to Severn Trent’s support, we can make sure more people in Derby have access to the essential items they need to make a fresh start.”
The funding comes from the Severn Trent Community Fund, which supports projects that improve community wellbeing across people, places and the environment. It means DF4TA can now operate at greater scale, with the capacity to collect, store and deliver donated items where they’re needed most.
Looking ahead, the team is preparing to launch a new Electrical Testing Facility so that donated appliances — like fridges, washing machines and cookers — can be offered in the future.
With the project now open, the team is looking for new volunteers to join them. Right now, they’re especially looking for warehouse volunteers to sort and prepare furniture and drivers to help collect and deliver items across the city.
They are also on the lookout for a small premises in or near Derby to support the project’s next phase. The space will need to be suitable for safely testing and preparing donated large electrical items, like cookers and washing machines, so these can be offered alongside furniture in the future.
Ann Mills, Furniture and Electrical Project Coordinator, said: “Since starting in my role I’ve been busy getting everything in place and we’re now ready to start making a real difference. We know how much impact even the simplest furniture — like every child having a bed, a table for family to gather round to eat and some way to prepare a hot meal— can have when people are trying to rebuild their life.
“We are looking for people who can give a few hours of their time each week to join our volunteer team — and we’re also on the lookout for a space we can use for our new electrical testing hub. Every bit of support will help us offer practical help to more people across Derby.”
If you can help the new Furniture and Electrical Project or would like to volunteer on the project, email home@df4ta.com or call 01332 227730.
For more information or to make a donation, please visit: www.derbyfood4thoughtalliance.org.uk/get-support/furniture-and-electrical-goods
