A PROJECT which has diverted more than three million kilograms of waste from landfill and supported 400 people with learning disabilities is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

The Community Furniture Project launched in Basingstoke in 2004 to offer free or affordable furniture to those in need, as well as work experience and training for people with learning disabilities.

Phelim O’Hagan, manager of the project which is based in Houndmills, set it up after running a similar scheme in Newbury.

He said: “Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council came to Newbury to see what we were doing and they asked us to replicate what we were doing there in Basingstoke. We got a Lottery grant and have been here for 15 years.”

The project works by members of the public donating unwanted furniture which is collected by volunteers, then repaired and upcycled to be sold on.

Some of the furniture is given away to those in need, while people on benefits pay a lower rate than those who aren’t.

More than 60 people volunteer with the project, 54 per cent who have learning disabilities.

The project offers them training in a variety of subjects including electrical, woodwork, health and safety and customer service, giving them skills to help them find paid employment.

Phelim said: “We have lots of volunteers who have been with us a long time, including one who joined at the start. It’s kind of a big family and we do have lots of social events. Some of our volunteers need to develop their social skills as well so we run monthly social events which helps them with their self-esteem.”

He added: “We want to relieve poverty, reduce waste and help the community of people with learning disabilities into work and experience different things they wouldn’t normally experience. There are some people who won’t ever be able to find paid employment but that doesn’t mean they can’t do something worthwhile for the community.”

The project, which is open six days a week from 9am to 5pm, is funded through a small grant from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, as well as funds raised through the sale of the furniture.

Phelim thanked the project’s “dedicated volunteers and local customers.

He added: “Most people think the furniture is for those on benefits but absolutely anyone can come here and the more we can sell to people at the higher rate the more we can give away to relieve poverty.”