Over 800 mattresses, beds and other items of brand new furniture have been saved from the tip and handed out to local people as part of a huge effort to help families struggling with the cost of living in Brent.

When a local hotel, which had already been kitted out with brand new furniture, decided not to open and was sold, Brent Council worked with its voluntary sector partners, charities and the new owners to make sure nothing went to waste.

Wembley ARK and the Troy Group did the heavy lifting, arranging the transport of the beds from the hotel premises right next to Wembley Stadium, to the Roundwood Youth Centre. Vulnerable families and those most in need were encouraged to come forward and take home these items.

Brent Council is committed to tackling the cost of living crisis, which is putting an enormous strain on hard working families and local people.

“

This initiative is a real example of how the council is working very hard with to help our residents through these tough times as every penny counts. Beds, mattresses and household furniture are essential items and it is important that children have somewhere safe and comfortable to sleep. 

”

Cllr Shama Tatler,

Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning

Cllr Shama Tatler continues, “With fuel, food and energy prices on the rise, families are feeling the pinch with affording everyday essentials, this is one of the ways in which we are doing everything it can to find practical ways to support the community, by working with partners in the community to ease that burden. Whilst the Government do very little to help during this crisis, Brent Council will look at every opportunity to help our residents.

“Thank you to everyone involved in this mammoth team effort!” 

Jermaine Browne of Wembley ARK said, 

“We are excited to be opening a new co-living building in Wembley Park and joining one of Brent’s thriving local communities. Giving back is at the heart of everything we do, and as part of our Community Investment Programme (CIP), we are honoured to have had the opportunity to provide new furniture to local families, care leavers and housing associations. 

“We hope this will be the first of many positive impacts that Wembley ARK has on the local area over many years to come”.

If you are struggling to make ends meet or know someone who is, help and support is at hand.