It's a recycling service with a difference.

A project that collects household items and donates them to those in need has launched a new venture - a charity shop.

The Think Smart Recycle scheme, run by Fusion Housing in partnership with Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing (KNH), has opened a shop in Huddersfield town centre.

Based at 12 New Street, the shop will sell donated clothing, bric-a-brac and items that are unsuitable for clients, such as larger pieces of furniture.

And all the shop’s proceeds will be ploughed back into the project to help more people.

Clr Cathy Scott, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We’re all aware that these are increasingly difficult times for people on low incomes, and replacing an essential appliance such as a fridge or a cooker may be completely beyond their means.

“The Think Smart scheme is a great example of how partners can work together to develop innovative services that make a real difference to people’s lives, especially during these times of hardship.”

Think Smart Recycle grew out of an existing electrical recycling scheme run by KNH for council tenants and a similar scheme that Fusion ran for its clients.

It helps their most vulnerable residents by giving them furniture and other household items so they can turn a house into a home.

It also cuts the amount sent to landfill, as many of the items are donated from empty homes or house clearances.

So far the scheme has donated more than 12,300 essential household items to nearly 2,700 families from across the borough.

The service works by collecting, cleaning, safety checking and then re-homing anything from fridges to wardrobes to cutlery.

The items are then offered for free to anyone in financial or social need who is referred by a relevant agency, whether they are a tenant or a home-owner.

Helen Minett, Director of Fusion Housing, said: I’m delighted that our idea of opening a quality charity shop has come to fruition. I believe that together we’ve created the sort of place where the people of Kirklees will want to come to and will want to return to.”

Simon Rogers, Chief Executive of KNH, “We know from customer feedback how much people value the Think Smart scheme and how much it has helped them. I hope that it helps us reach out to even more families in crisis.”

Kirklees residents replacing any furniture, white goods or other household items can make a donation if they’re in a good, useable condition.

To make a donation of any item contact Hana Nadat on 01924 490702.

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