Annalisa Solla is the charity manager of Waste Not Want Not, a Chippenham based charity who support households on low income by providing them with good quality second-hand furniture and household items. Here, we will look further into the story of Waste Not Want Not and how Cinch Storage Chippenham has been of help. 

Waste Not Want Not began in 2002 and is a Chippenham based charity dedicated to creating comfortable homes at affordable prices by providing essential furniture and household goods to those facing hardship. 

Their small team of staff and volunteers’ support people who are trying to make ends meet by providing them with second-hand furniture and household essentials at prices families can genuinely manage. This helps local people to furnish their homes and support their families without falling into debt. Waste Not Want Not help make a house a home.

Waste Not Want Not also helps people who are experiencing major hardship through their Fresh Start Programme. They provide essential furniture and household items to people affected by homelessness, domestic abuse and in crisis situations for free. This helps them to rebuild their lives with dignity, stability, and practical support. 

They also provide volunteering and work opportunities for vulnerable and marginalised people. Alongside this, they reduce waste disposal costs and encourage sustainable living as every item donated, reused and resold is one less item going into landfill. 

The charity cares about the environment and the local community in equal measure which is why it is so important to them to give good quality furniture a second life, helping the planet, and keep these resources within the local community. This helps make North Wiltshire an area that is fairer, stronger, and greener. 

The Fresh Start Programme 

In addition to providing furniture and household essentials to individuals and families on low incomes, Waste Not Want Not delivers its Fresh Start Programme in partnership with local housing associations, charities supporting survivors of domestic violence, people who have previously experienced homelessness, refugees displaced by conflict, and the local authority. Through these partnerships, individuals are referred to the programme as they prepare to move into an unfurnished property, helping them create a safe and welcoming home as they begin a new chapter. 

Although receiving the keys to a new home is an important milestone, many Fresh Start beneficiaries are faced with bare properties lacking furniture, appliances, and household essentials. Without support, many feel forced to rely on expensive credit, increasing financial hardship.

For people fleeing domestic abuse, the absence of basic household items can be overwhelming. Financial pressures can increase the risk of returning to abusive relationships, while people who have experienced homelessness may struggle to remain in an empty property.

“Following a referral, we invite people into our showroom to choose the furniture they want for their new home. That simple act of making their own choices is often the first step in rebuilding confidence, restoring dignity, and empowering them to make decisions again – something their past circumstances may have taken away.” 

The Fresh Start programme is funded by external grants. Last year, Waste Not Want Not secured £67,000 in grants and supported 104 adults and 99 children. So far this year (to July 2026), the programme has already supported 99 adults and 62 children.

The continuing cost-of-living crisis and wider economic pressures are pushing more people into poverty, homelessness, and crisis. Demand for Fresh Start continues to grow, making ongoing funding essential to ensure vulnerable individuals and families can establish safe, stable homes and begin rebuilding their futures.

You can see the incredible impact the Fresh Start Programme has on people’s lives by reading some of the case studies.

Helping The Planet by Helping People 

Along with doing a great deal to help people in the local community, by repurposing second-hand items and household goods, Waste Not Want Not is having a hugely beneficial impact on the environment. 

Every sofa, table, washing machine and household item that’s donated, reused or purchased helps create a positive impact. By keeping perfectly good items out of landfill, and making everyday essentials more affordable for local families, Waste Not Want Not and its supporters are reducing our collective impact on the environment.

“In just nine months, together we’ve made an incredible difference. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the support of our customers, Waste Not Want Not has given 1,967 items a second life, kept 75 tonnes of material out of waste, prevented 86 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, and helped local households save an amazing £255,329. Every donation, every purchase, and every act of support has been part of this shared achievement.” 

How Cinch Storage Chippenham Has Helped 

As a charity dealing in household goods and furniture, Waste Not Want Not needs storage as a safe space to store their goods. 

“The generosity of our donors means we’re always receiving wonderful items like sofas, dining tables and wardrobes that can make a real difference to local families. While our showroom is spacious, having extra storage is essential, not only for donated furniture but also for new mattresses and refurbished white goods we buy in bulk from our trusted partners. By sourcing refurbished white good appliances, we’re helping to support the circular economy and keeping perfectly good items out of landfill. Thanks to our partnership with Cinch Storage Chippenham, we have the extra space we need to store these goods safely until they’re ready to find a new home. Their support helps us continue making a positive impact in our community every day.” 

High Levels of Security 

With so much precious stock being stored within our units, our high level of security is really important. Annalisa needs to know that the goods are being well protected, ready for going to their new homes. 

“Our Fresh Start Programme is all about helping people at the right time. Sometimes someone will choose the furniture and household essentials they need, but they won’t get the keys to their new home for a few days or more. Thanks to our partnership with Cinch Storage Chippenham, we can safely store those items until they’re ready, ensuring everything is there when they need it most.

Having secure storage gives us real peace of mind. The excellent security at Cinch Storage Chippenham means we know the furniture and appliances entrusted to us are safe, protecting valuable stock that will go on to help local people rebuild their lives. That support is invaluable to both our charity and the families we serve.”

Excellent Team 

The Chippenham team have proven to be a big help to Annalisa and Waste Not Want Not. 

“The team at Cinch Storage has been absolutely fantastic. Their positive, welcoming approach really stands out, and nothing ever feels like too much trouble. Whenever we visit, we’re greeted with a friendly face and all the support we need. Because we don’t access our storage units very often, it’s incredibly helpful that a member of the team is always happy to guide us. That personal service and willingness to help make a real difference, and it’s one of the many reasons we value our partnership with Cinch Storage so highly.” 

Passionate About the Cause 

Our partnership with Waste Not Want Not came about because our Chippenham manager, Andrew, is local to the area and is very passionate about what Waste Not Want Not are doing as a charity. 

“Our relationship with Cinch Storage Chippenham began through Andrew, the local manager, who knows the community so well and shares our passion for supporting local people. His understanding of what we do and his enthusiasm for our work led to Cinch Storage providing storage units for us, which has made a tremendous difference.

As a charity, we have to carefully consider how we use our resources, and having access to storage without that additional financial pressure means we can focus more of our funds on helping those who need us most. We are incredibly grateful to Andrew and the wider Cinch Storage team for their generosity, support, and for being such an important part of our journey.”

How to Support Waste Not Want Not

If you have furniture, white goods, or household items in good condition that you no longer need, your donation can help someone rebuild their life and create a safe, comfortable home.

Waste Not Want Not offers a fast, free, and friendly collection service across North Wiltshire at a time that suits you. You can call them on 01249 447 140 and the team will be happy to arrange a collection. Or visit their donation page: Want to Donate Furniture? – Waste Not Want Not Charity 

If you are thinking of buying a sofa, dining table & chairs or other furniture or household goods, you can visit their showroom, where stock changes daily, or visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/wastenotwantnotwiltshire   

Find out more information about our Chippenham storage or give us a call on: 01249 736 398