A SERVICE which gives communities access to free, quality household goods is being launched in Inverclyde.
Multibank will collect surplus household items like kitchen utensils, furniture, clothing and toiletries from large retailers such as Amazon, and make them available to people through local community centres and organisations.
The aim of is to support communities and also reduce the amount of items being send to landfill.
Inverclyde is one of two new locations chosen for a Multibank in the West of Scotland, facilitated by the Glasgow City Region.
The six-month pilot scheme will see dedicated Multibank areas set up inside Auchmountain Halls, Branchton Community Centre, Craigend Resource Centre, Boglestone Community Hub and Youth Connections. Goods will also be available, in addition to food items, via the two community pantries in Inverclyde.
The first delivery saw 1,200 items arrive in Inverclyde including nappies, toilet roll, children’s books, bottled water, fizzy drinks, cleaning products and toothpaste. The Multibanks will be available from Wednesday 4 November.
Council leader Stephen McCabe said: “Being able to access free surplus household goods will make a real difference to families across Inverclyde who are struggling and also cut down on waste and what is being sent to landfill.
“I am delighted this is coming to Inverclyde and I’m sure many families and individuals will really feel the benefit of it.”
Phillip Lockwood-Holmes, chair of Multibank Scotland, said: “Nearly five years ago, we started with a simple idea: getting surplus goods into the hands of families and children who need them most.
“From our beginnings in Fife, we’ve grown to support communities and grassroots organisations across Perth, Dundee and Edinburgh, and we’re delighted to now be heading west, starting in Inverclyde!”
