Town centre hotel recycles to help ex-military families

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16 April 2024

A Northampton hotel undergoing major renovations has pledged its old furniture to help struggling veterans to furnish their homes.

The Northampton Town Centre Hotel in Silver Street is in the process of rebranding into a four-star Mercure, and has handed over beds, tables and other furniture to the local branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

The furniture would otherwise have ended up in landfill but will now be used to benefit those leaving the Armed Forces and settling back into civilian life.

Gareth Bull, Northamptonshire Chair said: "The donated furniture will enable SSAFA to promptly address the specific needs of our local veterans upon their relocation into accommodation. We often encounter extended waiting periods for furniture items, particularly beds. With this donation, our volunteers can respond to our clients' needs within 24 hours, if required."

SSAFA is one of several local charities to benefit from the hotel’s generous donation, having won a pitch process during a Dragon’s Den style event held earlier this year.

Simon Smith, Northampton Centre Hotel Manager, said: “Those leaving the Armed Forces aged 25-60 need more specialised support than ever before. The challenges they face are complex – from low income to life-changing injuries or hidden wounds, like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.

"SSAFA is improving its services for younger, working-age veterans, and we are proud to play our part.”