A PROJECT designed to sell second hand furniture as well as provide employment has celebrated its first year of business.

Since its opening, Re:Furnish has clocked up 6,000 sales as well as delivering packages of furniture to people in need referred by the council or local Foodbank.

Created by social housing group, Coast and Country, the scheme is also helping to deliver ‘Forging Futures’, an initiative that delivers training to help people into work and is designed to motivate and increase self-esteem.

Tracy O’Neill, director of customer services at Coast and Country, said: “Re:Furnish has become an integral part of the local community in so many different ways, including involvement in the fantastic Saltburn Food Festival.

“In addition to its core purpose of selling affordable furniture and household items, Re:Furnish is enabling people to fulfil their potential by providing a supportive and friendly working environment where confidence, skills and experience can be developed.”

Five Forging Futures placements at Re:Furnish in Saltburn have already found permanent jobs within other organisations and one has secured a role at Coast and Country.

The initiative is also providing a number of volunteering opportunities for those who wish to build their skills, broaden their knowledge and give something back to the community. There are currently nine volunteers at the facility and five previous volunteers have been supported back into work.