Community re-use
At B&Q, community matters. Which is why, last year, we donated over 50,000 products to more than 600 local causes, with our Community Re-Use Programme. From paint to pallets and tables to tiles, our surplus and display items go to those who need them the most, to help build a stronger community for all of us.
It's a great way to reduce waste whilst helping good causes, including schools, colleges, refuges, hostels, hospices, wellbeing groups and youth clubs, to access additional resources.
We work with Neighbourly, an award-winning giving platform, to connect our stores with local good causes.
Video transcript
John Hibbert, Head of Partnership Management, Shelter: We’ve been in partnership with B&Q since 2017 and since then we’ve raised millions and millions of pounds and supported thousands of people to feel more safe in their home. We’re two organisations that are really united by the common belief that everyone should have a home that they feel comfortable and safe in.
Paddy Earnshaw, Customer & Digital Director, B&Q: For Shelter, home is everything. In B&Q, we’re looking to help customers improve their homes to make life better and that unity is everything. A happy life comes from the foundation of having a really great home and not everyone is able to have that, so what makes this partnership so brilliant is that everyone is working together to try and improve homes across the UK.
John Hibbert: So DIY skills advisors work with clients who have just moved into a more stable home and help them to take control of their space.
Carys, DIY Skills Adviser, Shelter: My name’s Carys, I’m the DIY skills advisor in London. We really just help our clients turn what is just a house into really making it their own home. We can give them tools and materials that they need to continue with that across their home, and they usually end up just having like this new love for DIY from that one visit from us.
Krystalrose: When I first contacted Shelter I was living in emergency accommodation and I’ve just secured my permanent home with my daughter. I didn’t know how to make a home, and I couldn’t afford to. I feel like the most important thing is creating a healthy and comfortable space for my daughter, but when we started creating it and putting mummy’s mark on it, then I saw the difference in how she was, and her behaviour at home, you know.
John Hibbert: Well we’ve already achieved so much together, we’ve got a huge opportunity to reach so many people through our partnership with B&Q.
Paddy Earnshaw: Shelter is part of our family and it’s absolutely important that we do everything in our power to find new ways of bringing our colleagues and all of our Shelter colleagues together and ultimately do more to give people the help that they need to improve their homes.
To find out more visit shelter.org.uk
Video transcript
John Hibbert, Head of Partnership Management, Shelter: We’ve been in partnership with B&Q since 2017 and since then we’ve raised millions and millions of pounds and supported thousands of people to feel more safe in their home. We’re two organisations that are really united by the common belief that everyone should have a home that they feel comfortable and safe in.
Paddy Earnshaw, Customer & Digital Director, B&Q: For Shelter, home is everything. In B&Q, we’re looking to help customers improve their homes to make life better and that unity is everything. A happy life comes from the foundation of having a really great home and not everyone is able to have that, so what makes this partnership so brilliant is that everyone is working together to try and improve homes across the UK.
John Hibbert: So DIY skills advisors work with clients who have just moved into a more stable home and help them to take control of their space.
Carys, DIY Skills Adviser, Shelter: My name’s Carys, I’m the DIY skills advisor in London. We really just help our clients turn what is just a house into really making it their own home. We can give them tools and materials that they need to continue with that across their home, and they usually end up just having like this new love for DIY from that one visit from us.
Krystalrose: When I first contacted Shelter I was living in emergency accommodation and I’ve just secured my permanent home with my daughter. I didn’t know how to make a home, and I couldn’t afford to. I feel like the most important thing is creating a healthy and comfortable space for my daughter, but when we started creating it and putting mummy’s mark on it, then I saw the difference in how she was, and her behaviour at home, you know.
John Hibbert: Well we’ve already achieved so much together, we’ve got a huge opportunity to reach so many people through our partnership with B&Q.
Paddy Earnshaw: Shelter is part of our family and it’s absolutely important that we do everything in our power to find new ways of bringing our colleagues and all of our Shelter colleagues together and ultimately do more to give people the help that they need to improve their homes.
To find out more visit shelter.org.uk
These are the most common items donated:
- Plastic plant pots and trays
- Plants that are past their best and other compostable materials
- Damaged or part filled cans of paint White pallets
- Broken tiles and slabs
- Ends of wallpaper rolls
- End of line stock
Good causes can register through the Neighbourly platform, selecting their local store and the items they’re interested in receiving.
For terms and conditions, and to check if you’re organisation is eligible and sign up, visit: B&Q Community Reuse | Neighbourly
