Skinnergate House is a caring and supportive Christian Centre helping to address the needs of those who seek our help. In acknowledging every individual's dignity and potential, we seek to develop whole lives. (physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, culturally and spiritually.)  This is done through the provision of care, support, encouragement, guidance, advice and training.  The Resettlement Unit is an integral part of The Salvation Army’s tree of community outreach and ministry in the Fair City of Perth (East Scotland Division).

One way its mission is achieved is through the “forty:twenty” furniture project, which is based in an extensive warehouse of over 300m² and extends the work already undertaken by The Salvation Army’s successful New to You Shop, by dealing solely in furniture.  Since it opened in July 2004, the project has received a steady flow of furniture donations which it has been able to sell on to the public and assist a good number of social clients, including many complete house furnishings.  Council issued Community Care Grants have been put to their most effective use possible.

Aside of being a valuable service to the Perth Community, the central aim of the project is to provide a place of work experience and training for the residents of the Skinnergate Resettlement Unit.  To date, residents have been involved in assisting with furniture collections and deliveries, as well as planning the layout and general housekeeping of the warehouse.  Some have also dealt with the many customers who have come to us, by answering the phone and dealing face to face with them.  This has all worked towards boosting their confidence and giving them a feeling of worth by being put in these positions of trust.  This of course, is an integral part of the whole resettlement programme.

Alongside the Skinnergate residents, the project has become linked with the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations and, as such, has become host to a number of volunteers and New Deal placements.  As a result, some of the Skinnergate residents have signed up on the New Deal programme which will assist him in gaining future employment.  We have also been able to employ three former residents to ensure a secure staff base for the project.

The project has built up good links with community groups as well as members of the public, and the fact that residents are involved emphasises Perth Salvation Army’s commitment to not only resettle the residents of Skinnergate, but to support the local community.  It is hoped that these links will only strengthen and grow as the Furniture Project itself continues to grow.