FREE Furniture for community groups
Community and voluntary groups are once against being given the chance to secure FREE, good quality furniture and equipment, thanks to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s innovative RCT Together approach.
Following a successful event earlier this year in which surplus equipment from schools which have closed after the opening of the £50m Aberdare Community School and Sobell Leisure Centre development, was given away to good causes, a second event is happening next week (oct 1).
Cllr Keiron Montague, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for RCT Together, helped out at the last furniture and equipment giveaway.
He said: “The last event was a huge success, with scores of community groups and good causes arriving to secure free furniture and equipment to assist them as they continue their good work. However, there was a lot of stock from the three schools, so we are holding a second event to ensure it is reused and goes on to help others.
“The Council has committed to a new way of working with community groups, via RCT Together. We know there are services and facilities that mean a lot to residents that, due to ongoing budget cuts, the Council simply cannot continue to maintain on its own.
“RCT Together is about working with groups and individuals to ensure such services and facilities remain, and are run by the community, for the community. The Council has already worked with a range of groups, putting in place community ownership arrangements that have seen a library, paddling pool and childcare provision reopen. This protects services and facilities and also creates economic opportunities.
“Events such as this, where we are sharing our resources with community groups to help them continue their good work is just another example of our commitment. The Council cannot utilise the equipment, but does not want to see it go to waste, so it is offering it free to groups to assist them in their work."
Stackable chairs, tables, filing cabinets and other furniture and equipment – which cannot be used in other council premises – will be given away on a first come, first served basis to community and voluntary groups that reside in, or operate in, Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The unique and generous way of recycling unwanted furniture allows community groups to secure high-quality furniture for free, leaving them to spend the funds they do have on progressing their work, while also strengthening links and partnership working between the Council and these groups.
The next furniture and equipment recycling day will take place from 10am to 2pm on Thursday, October 1 at the former Aberdare Girls’ School.
The furniture and equipment needs to be taken away on the day. Community or voluntary groups that want to take furniture need to bring proof of identity.
An early arrival is recommended and, in the interest of fairness to all, groups may be limited to how much furniture they can take away.
If you have any queries in the meantime, please email rcttogether@rctcbc.gov.uk or contact:
- Debra Hanney (RCT Community Asset Development Officer) on 01443 425715
- Gareth Griffiths (Land Review Manager) on 07795 391664
Find out more about RCT Together, how it works and how to get involved on the RCT Together pages
