Thirteen teams up with IKEA to support families with sleep essentials [Archived]

The initiative, which sees IKEA Gateshead supply our upcycling team with pillows, duvets and bed linens, as well as new cots and junior beds, will enable us to support 106 families taking up new tenancies and enable them to have a safe and comfortable night’s sleep.

Driven by the IKEA vision to create a better everyday life for people, IKEA is working to support people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness and social exclusion by increasing access to better homes; using the brand’s unique business strength and capabilities, expertise in home furnishing solutions, voice, products and financial support to add value to partnerships.

Thirteen has previously worked with IKEA Gateshead to repair and upcycle slightly damaged, unsellable items to provide furniture donations to families that have low incomes, have previously been homeless, or have lost possessions fleeing dangerous circumstances. The project diverts furniture that would otherwise go to waste, supplying essential items that help recipients feel at home. The latest initiative has been developed to help meet a pressing need for sleep items, to create comfortable beds for families and children.

Lyndsay Officer, loyalty specialist at IKEA Gateshead, said: “We’re always looking for ways to support our neighbourhoods to have a better life at home and our partnership with Thirteen has already helped 31 people settle into their new homes. We believe everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to sleep, so we’re looking forward to being able to support more people with much-needed sleep essentials.”

Thirteen's upcycling and re-use coordinator Rhys Baker said: “Since we started upcycling furniture from our recycling centre in Billingham, we’ve been able to help hundreds of families who would have otherwise been unable to afford to set up their home.

“Many of our customers who we support are facing severe financial challenges, or starting over with very little, so having access to essential items, such as beds and bedding can make a big difference to ease that financial burden.

“Our partnership with IKEA Gateshead has helped us to expand this vital support and ensure our customers have the basics that they need to feel comfortable in their home. We’re incredibly thankful to IKEA Gateshead for their help in making a positive impact on the lives of our customers who need it the most.”