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How to Donate Furniture, Clothing, Food, Hygiene & Essentials in Coventry | Bardsley Youth Project

Thank you so much for your interest in supporting Bardsley Youth Project through a donation in kind. We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community.

To help us make the very best use of your donation, we’ve put together a simple guide below outlining the types of high-quality items that are most helpful to our work.

Before donating, please ensure that items are clean, safe, and in good condition — we often suggest asking yourself, “Would I be happy to give this to my own child as they start out on their own?” as a helpful quality check.

Thank you again for helping us support young people across our community.

"When I moved into the supported accommodation place, I had some kitchen stuff from Bardsley. I didn’t have a lot. At that time, I only had one plate and one fork. I love cooking, so it meant I could cook. It was nice to have proper utensils. I also had a hygiene pack when I moved in."

Young Person - Coventry

Donate furniture in coventry

What can you donate?

Sofas, chairs, coffee tables, wardrobes, chest of drawers and other essentials in good condition.

Helpful Guidance:  

Fabric items must display a fire‑safety label, and all pieces should be clean, sturdy and free from rips, tears or major damage.

As our storage space is limited and we want to ensure all items are safe and suitable for the young people we support, we kindly ask that you send clear photos and give us advance notice of any intended donations. This allows us to confirm suitability and storage availability before collection or drop-off.

Donate clothing for young people in coventry

What can you donate?

Clean, good-quality clothing suitable for young people aged 16–25.

Helpful Guidance:  

Items should be something a young person would feel confident and comfortable wearing today — think everyday basics, warm layers, coats and practical essentials.

All clothing should be clean and free from stains, damage or excessive wear.

As our storage space is limited, please do get in touch before bringing larger quantities of items (more than a bag-for-life). This helps us ensure we can properly receive and store your generous donation.

Donate personal care and hygiene items in coventry

What can you donate?

We create hygiene packs for young people who are waiting for benefits or grants. Essential items include:

  • Shower gel, shampoo and hand soap

  • Deodorant

  • Toilet roll and hand towels/flannels

  • Toothbrushes, toothpaste and mouthwash

  • Shaving foam, razors and feminine hygiene products

Helpful Guidance:  

Conditioner, moisturiser and other extras are appreciated when available, but the essentials above form the basis of our packs.

 

To ensure we can give out your items, please make sure they are unopened.

Donate Kitchenware and Household essentials in coventry

What can you donate?

When young people move into temporary accommodation, they often arrive with very few basic household items. Having their own kitchen essentials helps them prepare meals, settle in, and begin building independence. Suitable donations include:

  • Pots, pans and baking trays

  • Mugs, plates, bowls and glasses

  • Cutlery sets and utensils (e.g., spatulas, graters, can openers)

Helpful Guidance:  

Good-quality pre-loved items are very welcome, provided they are clean and in good condition. A simple check we often suggest is: “Would I be happy to give this to my own child as they head off to university or start out on their own?”

Donate Food to support young people in in coventry

What can you donate?

Our food bank supports young people with simple, easy-to-prepare meals — particularly those living with limited equipment or cooking experience. We particularly welcome:

  • Noodles and pasta, plus sauces

  • Tinned curries, hotdogs, beans and spaghetti

  • Packets of rice, cereal and oats

  • Tea, coffee and sugar

Helpful Guidance:  

Please ensure all food is in its original store packaging, within its use by date and that the date clearly visible.

When choosing items, it’s helpful to think about meals that can be prepared with minimal equipment or experience. Donating items that pair together to create a complete meal — such as tinned curry and rice — can make a real difference.

It’s helpful to know that when young people move into temporary accommodation, they will usually have access to a kettle. Some may also have a microwave or toaster. In supported accommodation settings, there may be access to an oven and hob. However, this is not always the case — particularly for those placed in short-term accommodation such as hotels while awaiting more permanent housing.

How to Drop Off Donations in Coventry

Donations can be dropped off at Bardsley House, Coventry, Monday–Thursday between 9am–4pm (excluding bank holidays).

As our team are often working with young people and running sessions, please let us know in advance if you’re planning to drop by. This helps us make sure a member of staff is available to welcome you and receive your donation.

For larger or bulkier items, such as furniture, collection may be possible. If you would like to discuss this, please do get in touch and we’ll be happy to explore the options with you.

Ready to make a donation?

Sponsor a Care, Essentials or Starter Pack

All of the packs mentioned in this guide can also be sponsored.

 

Alongside individual donations, we work closely with our brilliant partners to develop innovative partnerships that help provide the practical resources young people in our city need. If you would like to sponsor a pack or explore partnership opportunities, please contact rachel@bardsleyyouth.org

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