The charity also teaches new vocational skills to people keen to learn. New courses start in February which offer 10 weeks training with a qualification at the end. Reporter Michelle Blade went along to the FM depot to find out more.

SPEAKING to volunteer support worker Paddy Shannon its clear he is passionate about the work Furniture Matters does for the community.

I met him at the massive depot on Mellishaw Lane to find out about three new courses which are starting in February.

He tells me about the courses which are designed to help people build their skills and include fixing washing machines, building a PC and repairing bikes.

Each course, which is Open College of the North West (OCNW) Level 2 approved lasts for 10 weeks and teaches vital skills to people who want to use their own initiative when it comes to repairing their own possessions.

Paddy said: "Its very hands on for people who would be intimidated by the traditional theoretical teaching.

"You do learn a lot and its for anyone who wants to join in, both men and women.

"The tutor on the washing machine course is a woman, Fiona Stevenson, and the cycle repair course is taught by Anna Redfearn.

"The director of Furniture Matters is also a woman, Alison Page.

"It can be quite empowering – where else could you go and learn how to fix a washing machine and in the process of learning help us?"

Participants do volunteering in return for taking part in the course, either a morning or afternoon a week.

Anyone over the age of 18 can apply for volunteering or courses at Furniture Matters.

Paddy said: "People don't realise how hugely enjoyable volunteering can be – you can choose your own hours and do what you want to do, work at your own pace, and it can fit around working hours.

"Volunteering is especially good for single parents working around school hours.

"Many parents of kids of primary school age don't work and their skills may be on the shelf – we can help with this."

People on a low income and or benefits need to be referred to Furniture Matters to obtain items from them.

Referral form can be obtained from Signposts on Regent Road, the Citizens Advice Bureau, the job centre or the YMCA.

The forms can then be taken to the showroom on Alice Street to buy items at reduced prices.

Paddy said: "The goods are very affordable for people on a low income.
"Our washing machines are guaranteed for three months and can cost around £75 with a £5 delivery charge. People expect us to sell tat or jumble items but we have good stuff.

"There used to be skips full of washing machines and fridges at Salt Ayre which weren't reused – it was just a complete waste."

Furniture Matters also runs a business re-use project as well as recycling goods for the domestic sector.

The charity takes donations of sound furniture, soft furnishings (which must carry the 1988 fire retardant label) and computer equipment.

The nerve centre is the call centre, again manned by volunteers who field calls from members of the public wanting to donate goods or find out more about what the charity offers.

They also receive calls about referrals and general enquiries.
On average the volunteers receive around 300 calls a week.

Furniture Matters was set up eight years ago with just one van and two members of staff and is now the largest recycling charity of its kind in the UK.

Its three fundamental aims are:
1) To improve the quality and quantity of used and reconditioned furniture and other household goods available at low cost to people in need in the district.

2) To provide quality volunteering and training opportunities for local people aiming to increase employment prospects for some of these people.

3) To reduce the amount of furniture, electrical items and other household goods that ends up in landfill.

FM currently runs eight projects including:
Make a House a Home; Domestic electrical appliance re-use; Build IT; Pedal Power, Bulky Matters, Business Re-use; Community repaint and training initiative.

Paddy said: "The sooner we get people enrolled on these courses the better.

"The white goods course is filling up fast and people have to be signed up as volunteers before they can take part.

"Real people are going to be using these washing machines so there is a point to it.

"Its not an artificial exercise."