A much-loved Bath charity supporting people to save money, reuse resources and set up their homes is marking a major milestone.
Share and Repair – well known for its popular Repair Cafés and Library of Things – is celebrating five years of its HomeKIT scheme, which provides free small household items to residents across the community who are struggling to afford them.
Supporting families and anyone starting again
HomeKIT has grown into a lifeline for people moving into new accommodation with very little.
Some are families escaping difficult circumstances, others are young adults living independently for the first time, older residents resettling after a crisis or individuals who simply can’t stretch their budget to cover the essentials.
From kettles and toasters to lamps, heaters and slow cookers, donated appliances are tested, cleaned and re-homed – helping people stay warm, cook a meal and create a comfortable space to live.
Over five years, more than 1,000 items have been redistributed, all completely free, meaning residents can spend limited budgets on everyday essentials such as food, clothing, school supplies or heating costs.
A community effort making a difference
HomeKIT began in 2020 with just 32 donated items and one volunteer. Last year more than 350 items were donated and almost 300 passed on, supported by a dedicated, three-strong volunteer team.
As the project has grown, so have the number of partner organisations referring people in need. HomeKIT now works with groups including Julian House, Bath Welcomes Refugees, BANES, Southside Family Project and The Genesis Trust, helping a wider variety of residents across Bath and North East Somerset.
Each week, a stock list reaches 71 frontline professionals – from family support workers to refugee resettlement teams and homelessness charities.
Deliveries by cargo bike
To make support even more accessible, HomeKIT has introduced a cargo bike delivery service into Bath city centre. This enables charity partners to get items to people faster, without needing to find time or transport to collect them.
‘It feels like Christmas’
Volunteer Tanya recently fulfilled a request including a TV, kettle, lamps, radio, heater, toaster and slow cooker. She said, “It is such a wonderful feeling knowing we have just basically set someone up with all these small electrical appliances… It feels like Christmas!”
How locals can help
HomeKIT relies entirely on donations from the public. If you have a working appliance that you no longer need – whether you’re upsizing, downsizing or clearing out a cupboard – it could become a lifeline for someone rebuilding their life.
Instead of going to landfill, it will go straight to a neighbour who needs it.
Find the current wish list and donation information at shareandrepair.org.uk/homekit/
