A cavernous warehouse, in deepest Trafford Park, might not be on Indiana Jones’ radar but it is packed with treasure. CleanStart, an innovative social enterprise, takes in old furniture, white goods and televisions and upcycles them to near-mint condition. Some of the repaired and upcycled furniture is given away to residents of Trafford borough who may be in need, some is given to housing associations in the area as ‘starter packs’ for social tenants moving into a new home. Some, however, is sold from its warehouse at a fraction of the price you would pay in other second-hand shops, at antiques dealers or discount chains.

While the price and the quality of the upcycled furniture is attractive, it is what CleanStart does with the money you spend in the CleanStart store which makes it special. CleanStart is dedicated to providing employment opportunities, training and support for those who may find it difficult to find jobs elsewhere. These include ex-offenders, homeless people, and those with mental or physical difficulties.

As well as offering upcycled treasure, CleanStart provides contract gardening and property services to both individual clients and major companies and housing associations. This allows the employees at CleanStart to learn a wide range of skills, which they can take as they progress their careers in new jobs across Greater Manchester. But training takes money. This is where you can help. If you are clearing a house before a move, looking to get rid of some much-loved but frankly battered furniture, white goods or televisions (maybe the last two aren’t much loved…) or generally looking to declutter, ring us. And we will come to you, free of charge, and take away your furniture and other goods you are looking to donate.

We will turn your unwanted items into essential items for those who need them. We also work hard to upcycle really interesting pieces of furniture, televisions and white goods into treasures for you to discover, and buy at bargain prices.

When you have seen how we upcycle your items, and the other furniture donated to us, you might want to take a class in upcycling – we run them regularly – to undertake your own projects at home. In that warehouse, in deepest Trafford Park, you will find a friendly team, doing a great job and working hard to improve their lives.

Please come along to Warehouse Z, Mosley Road, Trafford Park, M17 1HQ, visit www.cleanstart.uk.com or ring us on 0161 968 0125 to find out more or to arrange a furniture collection. Just don’t tell Indiana Jones.