Residents urged to return health and social care equipment they no longer need

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.

Examples of the type of items that residents may have needed in the past but could now be storing unused around the house include:

• Crutches
• Walking sticks
• Walking frames
• Shower stools
• Pressure cushions
• Raised toilet seats

The call for the return of these items comes as the Council announces that any home support equipment not needed anymore with a Millbrook or NRS identification sticker on can be taken to the re3 Recycling Centre on Island Road to be recycled for others to use.

Any equipment provided by the NHS or the Council through these suppliers 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 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 at www.re3.org.uk.

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. Residents can arrange a collection by calling 0118 228 8701, making it easier for everyone to recycle equipment responsibly.

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.”

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.

By taking a few simple steps to recycle unused equipment, residents can help Reading remain a supportive, sustainable and caring community.

You can book a slot at the re3 Recycling Centre on Island Road here:

www.re3.org.uk