Cheshire East Council launches community equipment return amnesty
9 January 2024
Cheshire East Council has launched a community equipment return amnesty: Declutter your home, help others in need and save the council money.
The council is asking residents if they have unused crutches, wheelchairs, or walking frames gathering dust in their attic or garage and giving residents a chance to declutter their homes and help others in the community with a brand-new community equipment return amnesty.
Along with many other local authorities, the council is facing an extremely challenging financial environment and is looking at all options where savings can be made.
From January this year, this new amnesty is a way to return borrowed equipment people no longer need, ensuring it can be cleaned, refurbished, and loaned to individuals who desperately require it.
Councillor Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council adults and health committee chair, said: "Many households unknowingly hold onto valuable equipment that could make a life-changing difference for someone else.
"This amnesty encourages residents to clear out their storage spaces and contribute to a sustainable cycle of lending and reuse.
“The scheme will also save money as the council get 85% of the original value back as a credit on equipment. So for example, a typical walking frame costs £20, each one returned that is reusable would generate a £17 credit.”
Why return community equipment?
- Give back to the community: Your used equipment can help individuals recovering from surgery, injuries, or chronic conditions regain independence and dignity.
- Reduce waste and save money: Reusing equipment is kinder to the environment and frees up much needed resources for providing new equipment or other vital support services.
- Declutter your home: Let go of unused items and make space for what truly matters.
What equipment can be returned?
A wide variety of equipment, including:
- Walking frames or sticks
- Crutches
- Bath lifts
- Shower seats, commodes, and toilet surrounds
- Hospital beds, hoists and bed transfer aids
- Furniture raisers
How to return equipment:
Anyone with equipment which is no longer needed is invited to call 0151 653 9988 or to email: CES@millbrookhealthcare.co.uk to arrange collection. Collections can also be requested using this link to the Millbrook Healthcare website.
The equipment will then be picked up by a Millbrook Healthcare engineer within five working days, free of charge. Alternatively, it can be dropped off by prior arrangement at: Unit 7 Artis Park, Winsford Industrial Estate, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 3QE.
Councillor Rhodes went on to say: “Together, we can make a positive impact by ensuring that our increasingly limited resources are put to good use. Join us in this worthwhile initiative and give the gift of independence to someone who really needs it.”