Could your business be storing old items that are the answer to a charity’s needs?

"Becks had 20 old picture frames stored in an outhouse collecting dust. Read how listing the frames on A Good Thing’s platform ended with plans for a creative wellbeing workshop."

Introducing the business

Becks Neale is a designer and brand consultant for ethical founders, charities, community initiatives and purpose-led organisations. Becks creates brand identities, including brand guidelines and style guides, as well as infographics and illustrations. Becks has been a brilliant supporter of A Good Thing, having previously donated an iPhone, iMac and, most recently, assorted stationery. Having seen the impact of these donations on local charities and wanting “to inspire other good things to happen”, Becks didn’t hesitate to list some unused picture frames she had in storage. Becks told us that whilst the picture frames would have been donated somewhere, it was the fact that finding a new home through A Good Thing is “so much more convenient” that resulted in the frames being listed on the platform.  

Spotlight on the charity

Longfield Hospice Care provides free care, 365 days a year for adults in Gloucestershire living with a life-limiting illness along with support for their loved ones and carers. In 2022-23 the charity supported over 1,633 patients, family members and carers.

Alongside care, Longfield Hospice offer a free wellbeing service for those with a diagnosis of a life-limiting condition as well as their family, loved ones and carers. The Wellbeing Centre offers an amazing range of sessions from creative writing to Tai chi and a relaxation programme.

A creative way to re-use

The Longfield Hospice Care team saw the offer of picture frames and immediately contacted Becks to request the items. The picture frames will be used in wellbeing sessions to offer those with life-limiting illnesses activities to help them deal with their situation. The glass from the frames will be used by patients to create mosaic pictures.

Previous examples of mosaic art projects- the donated picture frame glass will be used in upcoming wellbeing sessions.

Becky Marshall, Lead Occupational Therapist at the Wellbeing Centre, told us:

“Throughout each week in our Creative Space programme we focus on the question ‘who am I?’ and ‘what is important to me?’. We offer a space for self-expression and for participants to create anything they wish, so the end piece is not the same for all – an example is a painting of a beach that has then been framed and displayed, others have created mosaic work in a frame and what is lovely is some wish for their work to be displayed in our creative room and others will take them home to build on their memories and experiences or perhaps gift it to family.”

Becky was thrilled that being signed up to A Good Thing had helped Longfield Hospice Care. She explained that:

“It’s great to know that by my registering to be a part of A Good Thing, I can help anyone across our charity, not just our shops. In addition, a colleague of mine who works in Volunteer Services went and collected the frames. So teamwork at its best!”

This match is a great example of how items that are stored away, unused, and forgotten could make a difference in people’s lives.  

We have charities across the UK signing up to A Good Thing every day.

Does your organisation have items that could be donated?