Stamford Household Essentials Project boosted by van donation

Families in need are receiving deliveries of second-hand furniture thanks to a charity scheme.

Stamford Household Essentials Project works in partnership with the foodbank to provide emergency donations of furniture and household appliances.

The project has just received a new van from fundraisers at Stamford XT to help improve its service.

The group of former Round Table members raised the money from a sponsored horse ride and fun run at Burghley Horse Trials

Chairman Chris Quinn said “We are very happy to support SHEP. They are doing a fantastic job."

Foodbank manager Louise Rose said: “We are so thankful to Stamford XT for their generous donation.

“This new van not only means that can continue to provide this vital service but also, as it is bigger, it means that we can do it more efficiently.”

The project has been running for three years and helps about 120 families each year.

It works on a similar basis to the foodbank where users are referred by agencies like South Kesteven District Council, housing associations and health professionals.

Louise said: “There’s a lot of people housed in Stamford from domestic abuse situations. They arrive with nothing and the house they get is just a shell so we get a lot of requests from them.

“We also get day to day requests for the odd piece of furniture which some people just can’t afford.

“If you can’t afford food, it follows on that you can’t afford a new fridge if yours suddenly breaks, so we're here to help those people."

The team collect donations of good quality furniture and appliances up to three years old. They are stored in containers at the Cummins site in Ryhall Road, Stamford, until they are needed.

Louise said: "It’s fantastic to have this facility right in town and it enables us to respond very quickly to clients' needs."

The team also launched a fuel scheme last winter to help people with one-off bill payments.

To find out more about volunteering for the scheme or to offer donations email shep@stamfordoundle.foodbank.org.uk or call 07596 846761.