Each of the furniture reuse organisations (FROs) are local charities and social enterprises with a dual purpose – to collect and reissue good quality second hand furniture and household goods to people in need provide employment and training opportunities to those furthest from the labour market. When the government’s Hardship Fund was devolved to Local Authorities in April 2013, the Authority needed a new way to help people in need – and Lancashire CRN members stepped up to develop and deliver a new service which has now been recognised as national best practice in partnership working. Lancashire County Council already had established working relationships with individual FROs (no less than 7 district councils’ bulky waste collection services are delivered by reuse groups) and they took the decision to develop a new pan-Lancashire service, working closely with the Lancashire Community Recycling Network to best meet the needs of local people. CaUNSS is more than supplying furniture...
10 million items of reusable furniture are thrown away in the UK every year – our groups intercept that good quality furniture and ensure it goes out to those who need it, not to landfill. By working with our reuse groups, the Authority is investing into established local good causes dedicated to supporting people in need and providing essential training and employment opportunities. This service was developed using the knowledge and skills of the groups and the Authority to best meet the needs of Lancashire residents. Now it diverts around 17 tonnes of reusable furniture and appliances are from the waste stream in Lancashire each month and offers training placements to over 40 people at any one time. In June 2014 the consortium of 8 FROs led by contract manager Selnet Ltd secured the contract for the future delivery of the service. In July 2014 CaUNSS was recognised on a national level as excellence in cross sector partnership working, when Lancashire CRN was awarded with the Best Partnership Project at the National Recycling Awards 2014, then a Silver Zero Waste Award from industry body Letsrecycle in October.
Who is CaUNSS for? For people on low incomes, it is difficult – or impossible – to furnish a home from scratch. The CaUNSS was designed to enable Lancashire residents with no other means of support to set up a home. The FROs supply good quality second hand furniture, domestic appliances reconditioned by qualified staff and other essential household goods to those in need on a referral basis from the Authority. The service was developed with guidance from Lancashire’s Trading Standards, and each group is a registered Safe Trader. Although the majority of goods are second hand, all bedding and mattresses issued through CaUNSS are new. CaUNSS typically supports people experiencing exceptional pressure (especially where there are severe problems being caused by disability) or homeless people to move into permanent accommodation, as well as helping people to leave residential care or escape domestic violence, or ex-offenders looking to re-establish a home. 90% of awards are made to an applicant with a long term health issue, a disability and (or) with dependent children.
FROs across the region provide free collection services for the public for reusable furniture and domestic appliances. Five groups also provide bulky waste collection services for 7 district councils, and separate good quality items for reuse – which can be up to 40% of what is collected. All stock is inspected, tested and quality assured before being reissued. Selnet Ltd manage the CaUNSS contract on behalf of the FROs who cover Lancashire together: Refurb (Wyre & Fylde) Ltd How can I apply? If you would like to apply to the Care and Urgent Need Support Scheme please call Lancashire County Council on freephone number 0300 123 6735. Click here for support for residents in Blackpool. CaUNSS Flyer for referral agencies Emmaus Preston has four charity shops in Preston. Our shops stock a wide range of new, refurbished and preloved items at great prices. Our new megastore is now open at the former B&Q site on Brookfield Street in Preston. This massive charity shop warehouse is stocked full of furniture, white goods, household items, clothes and unique finds.
Furniture is one of our main areas. You will find tables, chairs, sofas, dining tables, dressing tables, beds, desks, drawers, wardrobes, three-piece suites, armchairs, upcycled items and unique antique furniture. Our charity store on Deepdale Mill Street just off Ribbleton Lane sells a mix of furniture, electricals, vintage items, bric-a-brac and clothing. We have a specialist white goods shop in St Johns Shopping Centre, Preston, selling a wide range of new and reuse washing machines, refrigerators, fridge freezers, cookers, vacuum cleaners, TVs, lamps, kettles and microwave ovens. An additional shop in St Johns Shopping Centre stocks a selection of sofas, dining tables and bedroom furniture. At Emmaus Preston charity shops, you will also find a huge range of good quality second hand items including glassware, cutlery, pots and pans, teapots, vases, vintage items, framed pictures, lampshades, toys, games, clothes, textiles, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, video games and much more.