Leeds Furniture Charity Marks 40 Years with New Identity

October 16, 2026 Off By

Local charity rebrands to reflect wider city-wide support

A Leeds-based furniture charity, which assists more than 30 households each week in furnishing their homes, has announced a change of name and identity as it marks its 40th anniversary. Established in 1986 as Leeds & Moortown Furniture Store, the organisation is now known as Leeds Furniture Mission.

The new name aims to better represent the charity’s work across the entire Leeds area. The organisation collects good quality unwanted furniture from homes and businesses, redistributing these items to individuals and families in need. Each month, the charity keeps approximately nine tonnes of furniture in use, preventing it from going to landfill.

How the Charity Operates

Leeds Furniture Mission works closely with a range of professional referral partners, including housing officers, support workers, charities, social services, and NHS services. Following a referral and assessment of need, recipients can select up to five essential furniture items free of charge. This service is particularly valuable for people moving into accommodation with little or no furniture.

Rachel Dodson, CEO of Leeds Furniture Mission, highlighted the impact of furniture on wellbeing: “Furniture is something many of us take for granted, but when you find yourself with very little, having a bed to sleep in, a table to sit around or a comfortable chair can make an enormous difference to their physical and mental health.”

Support from Businesses and Volunteers

In addition to household donations, the charity collects furniture from businesses, offices, hotels, and student accommodation. This provides organisations with a practical means of supporting the local community when replacing unwanted furniture.

Looking ahead, Leeds Furniture Mission aims to expand its reach, strengthen business partnerships, and recruit new volunteers. Gareth Davies, Chair of Trustees, said: “The need for our service continues, while rising costs and pressure on funding make it harder to meet that need. We’re positive about the future, but we need more people and businesses alongside us to ensure we can continue to meet the ever-growing need.”

How to Get Involved

Individuals can contribute by donating furniture, volunteering regularly, or making financial donations.
Businesses can support through fundraising, sponsorship, furniture and product donations, offering professional skills, or organising team volunteering days.

The charity plans to celebrate its 40th anniversary with an event at Banyan in Leeds on Tuesday 20 October, recognising supporters and unveiling its new identity.