For the past fifteen years, 9 Lives in Rickmansworth has been quietly giving old furniture a new lease of life
“It all started after Pam Handly was at the local recycling centre and realised the amount of pre-loved furniture that was being cast away and the resulting environmental impact” says Marie, Manager at 9 Lives Furniture. “Pam opened the charity in 2004 and so far we have saved at least 906,506 tonnes of waste from going to a landfill while giving a lot of great furniture a new life and home.”
9 Lives also plays an important role in helping vulnerable members of the community. “We work towards their strengths and focus on what they can improve, especially new skills they can develop for later life. We run a ten-week course in woodwork and now at least fifty ex-students are being moved into employment or further education.”
Ex-student Eddy still volunteers at 9 Lives Furniture nine years on. “At the start of the programme I couldn’t even answer the phone, now I do it all the time! “
The team carefully and lovingly restore all types of furniture from chairs to cabinets in the on-site workshop tucked away at the back of the building.
“We are a convenient one-stop charity shop just off Ricky High Street.” adds Marie.
The emporium is packed with hundreds of pre-loved products from books to boots and curtains to children’s toys. And the latest additions on the shelves are chalk paint and 
retro clothing
“Not only do we tick the buzzwords recycling and upcycling, we now sell retro clothing plus fashionable chalk furniture paint” says volunteer Rosemary Hadfield. “We are planning on offering paint courses in the near future using the Frenchic range that we sell.”
9 Lives stock three Frenchic ranges including a weatherproof exterior paint (£16.95 per 750ml). All are self-priming, give excellent coverage and dry in a couple of hours,
“It is also wipe-clean and safe for children’s toys. Everybody loves it, it’s flying off the shelves!”
9 LIVES 25 Wharf Lane, Rickmansworth WD3 1HA
USUAL OPENING TIMES
Tues – Fri 9am – 5pm, Sat 9am -12.30. Closed Sunday and Monday 01923 718666
OPENING TIMES as of 17 JUNE 2020 ( check website for updates)
WHAT TO DONATE
Usually anything, but especially beds and mattresses in good condition. with label stating compliance with BS 7177. Accepted items might change in times of COVID 19 – check on website
Pick-up service sometimes possible. Space is limited so best to phone to check before donating large items. Upholstered furniture must have a permanent label with the heading ‘Carelessness causes fire’.
HOW TO VOLUNTEER
Call 01923718666 or email marie@9livesfurniture.org.uk
www.9livesfurniture.org.uk