The Restore Shed Project

We are excited to launch our Restore Project at the Living Well Centre at the Hospice, and a Restore Shed at the Distribution Centre in Hurstpierpoint.

Combining the practical benefits of handson crafting and giving a new lease of life to furniture that might otherwise be discarded, patients, volunteers and staff have been enjoying this project, finding it therapeutic, creative and social!

It all starts with...

A donation

When items are donated to our Distribution Centre in Hurstpierpoint, volunteers set aside items that may need a bit more TLC before they are sent to our shops. Such items may just need a few new screws, a quick polish or a total makeover with a lick of paint. Smaller and medium sized items, like mirrors or chairs, are transported to our Living Well Centre at the Hospice, while larger items, such as dressers, are upcycled at our Distribution Centre in Hurstpierpoint by volunteers.

So, what are the therapeutic benefits?

Not only does this project help to divert furniture from landfill, it also has many rehabilitative benefits for our patients. The weekly session, run at the Living Well Centre, is a small group activity for people who wish to paint, engage and connect with others in a relaxed and informal setting.

“Upcycling fosters creativity and the satisfying feeling of making something new, and this can be as good for the mind as it is for the environment. Our Hospice shops already help in the fight against our throwaway culture - but some items that are donated can be difficult to sell. Once updated in the Restore Shed these items will have grown in value both financially and in their uniqueness. And who knows - in taking part you might find you also restore yourself a little bit too.”

Louise, Living Well Centre Assistant

Driven by our patients’ priorities our weekly activities focus on what living well means to them. This may mean providing a way for patients to be independent from their carer, hosting a social space for people in similar situations, or meeting with a nurse or other professional to discuss a particular concern.

What do our patients think?

Len, a 94 year old patient, has been attending the Living Well Centre for a month now. He has really enjoyed being able to be independent and doing something productive after needing to move in with his daughter, utilising the skills he has learnt from decorating and repairing his own home over the years.

“Everyone is so nice, kind, and helpful. It is a pleasure coming here. Makes you feel alive coming here and doing things. And it’s easy to talk to other people who are in a similar situation.”

Len, Patient

What happens to the items once they have been upcycled?

Once the furniture pieces have been upcycled and renewed, they are distributed to our shops where their sale will continue to help fund hospice care across Mid Sussex, benefiting our patients and those close to them. It is also a small part of how we are trying to reduce our impact on the environment, something our Head of Retail, has been championing.

“Not only is upcycled furniture very on trend, but the items are also saved from going to landfill, helping to tackle the Climate Crisis, and contributing to the circular economy. The Restore Shed is just one of the projects that we are doing with our community to divert items from landfill, (other projects include working with Chailey Repair Cafe, Hurstpierpoint College and Brighton University) but this is the first time we have combined this with a therapeutic session. It has been great to hear the positive feedback from patients and from our retail customers who value these items and the story behind them.”

Emily Cronin, Head of Retail

Restore Shed sessions take place on Mondays from 10.30am to 12.30pm at St Peter & St James Hospice in the Living Well Centre. The sessions are open to anyone who is living with a life-limiting illness in our community. There is no requirement for previous experience in upcycling or DIY and all equipment is provided.

If you wish to attend the Restore Shed as a patient, please contact us at contact@stpjhospice.org or call 01444 470 819

If you would like to volunteer at the Distribution Centre in Hurstpierpoint, upcycling furniture or sorting donations, view our website for current vacancies www.stpjhospice.org/support-us/volunteer, email at volunteering@stpjhospice.org, or call us on 01444 471 598