A new clothing bank has been installed at Anning Road Playing Field, giving residents a simple way to recycle unwanted clothing while supporting the vital work of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
The initiative is part of a partnership between the charity and Recycling Solutions, designed to keep textiles out of landfill while generating much-needed funds to help deliver life-saving care across the region.
Every donation made through the clothing bank helps support the charity’s emergency response service. Clothing collected is sold on through approved trading partners, with Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance receiving a share of the proceeds, at least £200 per tonne.
This provides a reliable and sustainable source of income to help keep their helicopter in the air and critical care practitioners and doctors operational for 19 hours a day, 365 days a year, ready to respond and save the lives of the most seriously ill and injured patients.
Many people are surprised to learn just how far donated clothing can travel, and how little ends up being wasted.
Once items are placed in the clothing bank, they are transported to specialist sorting facilities where each piece is carefully assessed and graded. Good-quality clothing that can be re-worn is sent on to second-hand shops and markets across Europe, Asia and Africa, extending its lifespan and reducing environmental impact.
Items that are no longer suitable to wear are still put to good use. These textiles are recycled into practical products such as cleaning cloths, mattress filling or materials used in sports equipment.
The organisations involved in the process are committed to working towards zero waste, ensuring that as much material as possible is reused or recycled responsibly.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance provides advanced, pre-hospital critical care across the region, responding to emergencies where every second counts. The service relies heavily on charitable donations to continue operating, and community support plays a crucial role in keeping the service running.
What can be donated?
The clothing bank accepts good-quality
- Clothing
- Shoes
- Handbags
- Belts
Please ensure that donated items are clean and in wearable condition. The following items cannot be accepted:
- Damaged or dirty clothing
- Contaminated items (such as those with paint or oil)
- Duvets or pillows
- Bric a Brac, toys or books
By donating responsibly, residents can help ensure the scheme runs smoothly and continues to support this essential emergency service.
Residents can find the new clothing bank at Anning Road Playing Field and are encouraged to make use of the facility whenever they have suitable items to donate.
To learn more about the life-saving work of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, visit:
www.dsairambulance.org.uk