Reading residents are being urged to check their homes for any support equipment provided by Millbrook Healthcare or NRS Healthcare they no longer need, so they can be reused to help others.
This includes items like crutches, walking sticks, walking frames, shower stools, pressure cushions, and even raised toilet seats.
Any equipment provided by the NHS or the council from suppliers Millbrook or NRS during a period of illness, injury or recovery can, and should, be returned via the new reuse scheme rather than left stored away in homes or garages.
The scheme means that any home support equipment not needed anymore with an identification sticker from those suppliers can be taken to the re3 Recycling Centre on Island Road to be recycled for others to use.
The re3 centre now has designated containers for small items such as those listed above to be returned. Items should be clean, and visits must be booked in advance through the Re3 website.
Once deposited, the equipment is collected by Millbrook Healthcare, the Council’s community equipment provider. Each item is checked for safety, repaired where necessary, and thoroughly cleaned and sanitised before being returned to circulation.
This allows equipment that may only have been required for a short time to go on and support another resident to live independently or recover safely at home.
For residents who are unable to visit the recycling centre, Millbrook Healthcare also offers a free home collection service, including for larger equipment such as beds and chairs.
Returning home support equipment to re3 helps to reduce waste, saves money for both the NHS and the Council, and ensures essential equipment remains available for residents who need them.
Most importantly, it helps support people at times when the right equipment can make a real difference to everyday living and recovery.
Glenn Dennis, Lead Councillor for Adult Social Care, said: “This is a great way for residents to put unused equipment back into circulation.
“Much of this equipment is recommended by Council Occupational Therapists or NHS clinicians and is often only needed for a short period while someone recovers.
“Many people know these items still have value, which is why they are often kept at home rather than thrown away.
“This scheme makes it simple to return them, knowing they will be checked, cleaned and reused to help someone else who needs support.
“This is a great opportunity to have a late spring clean to declutter items which can be bulky to store and are no longer benefitting you, knowing that you’re helping people out who need the same support from those aids that you once had.”
Residents can arrange a collection by calling: 0118 228 8701
More details about how to recycle your unused equipment is available via: re3.org.uk
