Glossopdale Furniture Project is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. 

The Project is a registered charity based in Glossop, supported by Derbyshire County Council, High Peak Borough Council, Foundation Derbyshire and various Charitable Trusts.

It was set up in 1997 when it became obvious of the serious need for a charitable project of this nature. 

Those it helps are referrals from social services, housing charities, women’s refuges and many other local organisations. 

Manager Paul Marsh told the Chronicle: "We can provide anything from just a dining table to a full house of furniture. Most of the items come from the public, instead of being dumped in landfill.

"We live in a throwaway society, but a lot that is dumped is perfectly usable by somebody else. The only things we can’t take are sofas that don’t have fire retardant labels and washing machines. 

“We’re always after any type of furniture, so if you can’t use it please contact us. We also co-operate with retailers so we can get ex display items or end of line furniture.” 

The Project opened in 1997 when they started giving out toasters, microwaves and kettles. 

Paul added: "How it has expanded is phenomenal. Now we have eight staff and eight volunteers. How we help people is different. Those who are referred to us with nothing and no money to buy anything, we can help them with free items from our Pikes Lane warehouse.

"Those who don’t have much money we can offer a large discount on things that are for sale in our George Street store.” 

The Project is the only voluntary organisation within the High Peak offering such a service and is in constant demand.

It is seen by the statutory and voluntary agencies who use the Project as a lifeline for their service users. Such is the demand, requests for the Project’s assistance have been received nationally from well beyond the High Peak borough it serves. 

Paul says, “We’ve even had requests from the South of England as well as the Scottish Borders. We try to help as many people as we can.” 

Relying on the donations of unwanted furniture and household items to maintain its stock, the Project reclaims, restores, refurbishes and upcycles furniture for sale.

Its premises at Pikes Lane and George Street are open to the general public for the purchase of used and pre-loved furniture which goes towards the charity’s funds.

With a growing trend in retro decor, the Project’s dedicated specialist furniture painting workshop is kept busy. This not only helps fund the charity but also benefits the local environment by diverting over 100 tonnes annually of good, usable furniture, from the waste stream. 

If you want to contact the Project, details can be found on their website https://www.glossopdalefurniture.co.uk/ 

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