Business Details
32 Years
experience
Affordable Pre-Loved Furniture & Household Items in Essex
Established in 1994, Lighthouse Furniture has dedicated itself to providing affordable, pre-loved furniture and household essentials to communities across Essex. Our initiative began as a local church-led effort to support families in need and has since expanded to assist thousands of households annually. We collaborate with councils, charities, and social care organisations to address poverty and housing crises while promoting sustainability through reuse. Our team of volunteers and staff ensures that everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, can access quality items at reduced prices. Recognised by Trading Standards and part of the Buy with Confidence scheme, we combine ethical practices with community-focused service.Over 30 years, we have diverted over 300,000kg of CO2 by reselling reused goods, demonstrating our commitment to both social and environmental impact. Our partnerships with organisations like Hopeworx and Epping Forest ReUSE extend our reach, while Gift Aid and donations sustain our operations. We pride ourselves on transparency, offering free collections and adhering to strict safety regulations. With a dedicated volunteer base and a mission to support vulnerable households, we remain a trusted pillar of local communities.
Services
Furniture Sales
Electrical Appliances
Household Items
Donation Services
Volunteering Opportunities
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience supporting Essex communities.
- Our partnerships with local councils and charities enhance our reach.
- We offer 25% Gift Aid contributions from UK taxpayers.
- Our team includes trained volunteers with expertise in reuse logistics.
- We divert over 300,000kg of CO2 annually through sustainable practices.
Associations and certifications
- Trading Standards
- Buy with Confidence
What people say
Found everything for my house
Volunteers are nice, helpful
Saved me lots of money
Good eyes for collections
Regular customer now
Services
Furniture Sales
We sell high-quality, pre-loved furniture at significantly reduced prices to support low-income households. Our inventory includes sofas, tables, and beds, all inspected for safety and durability. Customers on means-tested benefits receive additional discounts.
Electrical Appliances
Our electrical department offers refurbished appliances such as fridges, washing machines, and cookers. All items undergo PAT testing to meet safety standards, ensuring reliable and affordable options for households in need.
Household Items
We provide essential household items including kitchenware, bedding, and crockery at low costs. These goods are donated by the public and carefully sorted to ensure they meet hygiene and usability standards.
Donation Services
We offer free collection of furniture, appliances, and household items from donors across Essex. Donations are sorted for resale or repurposing, supporting our mission to reduce waste and aid vulnerable families.
Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteers aged 18+ contribute to retail, logistics, and administration. Training is provided in areas like van driving and furniture repair, fostering skills development while supporting our charitable operations.
People
Jan
Volunteer
Retired 13 years ago, Jan joined Lighthouse to give back to the community. She finds fulfillment in helping families access essential items and highlights the charity's positive impact on those in need.
Stuart
Volunteer
After a 40-year career in finance, Stuart volunteers to support local initiatives. He values Lighthouse's role in community building and enjoys contributing his time to meaningful work.
Questions
Who can access Lighthouse Furniture Project's services?
Everyone is welcome, though we prioritise low-income families, those in poverty, or facing housing crises.
How did Lighthouse Furniture Project start?
It began in 1994 as a church-led initiative to redistribute reusable furniture and has grown into a county-wide charity.
What items can I donate?
We accept furniture, appliances, bedding, kitchenware, and crockery in reusable condition, complying with safety regulations.
Do you offer discounts for benefit recipients?
Yes, we provide additional discounts on essential items for those on means-tested benefits.
How does Gift Aid work with donations?
UK taxpayers can let us claim 25p for every £1 donated, boosting your contribution at no extra cost.
Reviews (2)
Rachel Tufnell
Mar 02, 2018
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Just bought a dishwasher from here for 60. Staff always friendly and the dishwasher is excellent, very impressed!
Lara Jane Baker
Feb 26, 2018
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Fantastic project that helps those in desperate need lovely to speak to you all this morning x keep up the fantastic work xxxx
