Sustainable up-cycling project giving new life to furnishings

Earlier this year a new creative venture was launched between Woking & Sam Beare Hospice and professional upcycler Jane Goodman. Alongside the Hospice warehouse on the Lansbury Business Estate, a dedicated upcycling workshop has been created for Jane and her team of volunteers to transform donated furniture into unique pieces of homeware.

Supporting sustainability and wellbeing in the process, the upcycling project gives new life to pieces that may remain unsold without the vision and creativity of Jane and her team of volunteers. In many cases, a fresh coat of paint using Jane’s signature FrenchChic paint, and a change of hardware can raise much needed funds for this local charity.

The creative initiative runs with the support of volunteers who donate their time to help transform items including cabinets, chests of drawers, coffee tables, bureaus, and an array of side tables. The essence of the project can be seen within minutes of talking to Jane, who driven by her frustration about the amount of furniture ending up in landfill, established her business, Home Office Chic to promote sustainability to people needing a workspace at home.

“Upcycling is a fantastic way to support wellbeing. Seeing an item come to life again is incredibly rewarding and promotes a great sense of fulfilment. Working in a team, friendships can be made whilst completing a project, and you will be motivated by the knowledge that your work will end up looking great in someone’s home whilst raising money for the Hospice.”  Jane Goodman

The pre-loved pieces then go on to be sold at Woking & Sam Beare Hospice shops including Knaphill and Weybridge bookshop at affordable prices. Keep an eye out for these unique finds on the high street whilst supporting this important local charity.

Woking Hospice’s warehouse has been on-site at Lansbury for 20 years and is one of the area’s most well-known charities. The Hospice delivers 8,760 hours of care and support for patients, carers and families every year. Their services are free to access for those who need them. £8 million in funds has to be raised each year to deliver their specialist services.

Can you support this project as a volunteer?

Volunteer recruitment for the Upcycling Project is ongoing and vital to the success and scalability of the initiative. No previous experience is necessary, and all training is provided. The ideal commitment for a volunteer is around 4 hours a fortnight. Please contact Clive Albury at retail@wsbh.org.uk for more details. Corporate volunteer enquiries are also welcomed.

Follow Jane on social media to discover her latest transformations: @homeofficechic