During the second ‘Lockdown’ Roundabout which puts donated reusable furniture to good use has been helping a previously homeless man now living in Chipping Camden.
Rob Steel 23yrs originally from Didcot had been homeless and living in a Hostel in Cambridge until he was allocated accommodation in Chipping Camden.
As the accommodation was unfurnished Jacqui Close from the P3 charity who has been supporting Rob contacted Roundabout at Blackminster for help in providing essential furniture items.
Roundabout who were recognised last year with the award of the Queens Award for Voluntary Service has been collecting and redistributing donated furniture to individuals and families in financial need for the past 26 years across South Worcestershire, North Gloucestershire and West Warwickshire.
Rob said: ‘I am really grateful to Roundabout for the furniture they have provided which is really good quality and included a brand new double mattress. Andy and Peter from Roundabout even stayed to assemble the bed base as I did not have access to any tools.
When I moved in to my new accommodation I had no furniture and I was sleeping on the floor I would like to thank the kind people who donate furniture to Roundabout’.
Roundabout provides what is effectively free furniture other than for a small admin charge through a referral process which is accessed by a variety of organisations.
Jacqui Close of P3 said ‘We make referrals to the Roundabout furniture charity for people we work alongside who need furniture to set up a home, Roundabout is an invaluable service who provide an amazing service, we are grateful they are there to support those in need’.
Roundabout Manager Peter Andrews added: ‘In accordance with Government guidance we closed down at the beginning of November and all of our wonderful volunteers were stood down until further notice. During the enforced period of closure, myself and a colleague have ensured we maintain a service in order to provide essential furniture to individuals and families in most need.
In recent months I have noticed a significant reduction in referral requests submitted to Roundabout and so I would encourage all of the referral agents to continue making requests for furniture. As far as Roundabout is concerned it is business as usual in respect of furniture referral requests.
If you are an individual or a family member in financial need and require essential furniture items please contact your Housing Officer, Health Professional, Social Worker, CAB and other Charity representatives and make a request that they approach Roundabout on your behalf.
We are unable to undertake furniture collections at the present time although I hope normal service across the charity will be resumed in December’.
For more information about Roundabout please visit
www.roundaboutevesham.org.uk