Ugly Duckling started in 2010 and is run by Andover Mind, a local mental health charity, in Hampshire. Andover Mind have run a charity shop for many years and have first-hand experience of just how much furniture is discarded every year. We often used to turn down donations because furniture needed repairing and we knew the likelihood was that the furniture we turned down ended up in landfill. We also used to make frequent trips to the tip with furniture that we couldn't sell because it was in need of some TLC.  Over the years we have  become much more aware of the environmental challenges that this waste brings with it. Ugly Duckling is trying to do something about this environmental problem, whilst at the same time, providing opportunities for volunteering, training and work experience for disadvantaged groups. We also offer volunteering opportunities to  local people so different sections of the community can work side by side to address a local problem.

Find out more about Andover Mind...

Before I came here I didn't go out. Ugly Duckling has helped me mix with and trust people again. It has built my self-confidence. Eventually I hope to be able to work again.
It’s the best thing that’s ever happened.