Saving the planet, one sofa at a time...

Richmond Furniture Scheme are a local furniture reuse charity. We're the experts when it comes to fixing up furniture to ensure it finds a new loving home.

Our electric van whizzes around the borough collecting donated tables, sofas, lamps etc – everything you need to make your house a home. Some of the 8,000 plus items rehomed annually need a bit of TLC (tender, love and care) and our army of creative volunteers repair wonky wardrobes or tired tables to make them good as new, often better than before!

When asked about the importance of repairing items, Richmond Furniture Scheme CEO Simon Westgarth said: "There are many great reasons for repairing and reusing stuff. These include the benefits to the environment from not using energy and generating CO2, not using precious resources and reducing the many miles from transporting items over great distances.

“However, fixing something makes you feel good. The satisfaction in mending a wonky chair, repairing drawer runners and refurbishing a tired cabinet is huge and well worth celebrating."

We have more than 100 dedicated volunteers working across our workshops and warehouse, repairing, cleaning, picking up and delivering furniture amongst many other tasks that help our charity run smoothly.

Our volunteers enjoy repairing and seeing the outcome of their work, one of our volunteers said: “It's really gratifying to see a broken object fixed, made to look pretty and sold - often within the same day!” 

Another said: “I enjoy the challenge of working with furniture that is in dire need of love.”

A child’s chair arrived in a sorry state, but was transformed with some smart upholstery and a dazzling lick of paint. It quickly found a happy buyer in a new home!

We ensure nothing goes to waste and our repairers get creative. From turning old bed slats into planters and offcuts of wood into gorgeous Christmas decorations – there’s no limit to creativity and innovation!

The impact of the work we do has a positive impact on the environment, with 126 tonnes of furniture diverted from landfill last year. As well as local residents donating furniture (which we collected for free across the borough), partnerships with Townmead Reuse and Recycling Centre and the council’s popular Mega Skip Days mean furniture destined for the tip is instead diverted to Richmond Furniture Scheme so it can be reused to be loved by another household or organisation. 

We also sell refurbished appliances like washing machines and fridges which are thoroughly tested, cleaned and come with a guarantee. New bedframes and mattresses are also sold at competitive prices.

One of our customers said: "I am very conscious about our planet and supporting the community is important. If I see furniture on the street I want someone to take it!"

Anyone can shop at the charity by visiting our Twickenham warehouse or using our online shop. Discounts are available for people on low incomes. 

Get inspired during Repair Week, 2 to 8 March, to do your own repairs or to learn more about repairing. We have great opportunities for training, work experience and volunteering with a friendly and welcoming team. 

Our volunteers have commented about their experience working with Richmond Furniture Scheme:

"Feel that I have done something worthwhile as well as working beside nice people"

"I greatly enjoy working in a small team on the same day each week, I value some of the practical skills I’ve learned"

"Helps me maintain my woodworking skills and I've met some great people."

If you’re looking to meet new people, use or refine your handy skills, get in touch to see what opportunities we have available.

On selected Saturdays each month, we join the Council’s Mega Skip Days where Richmond residents can dispose of bulky items for free. Large skips are placed in different parts of the borough for a few hours at a time – this is also in partnership with RHP.

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