We’re always looking for ways to make a positive impact – whether that’s protecting buildings, supporting communities, or giving new purpose to what’s left behind.
When we took on a former school site in Oval, our Social Impact Lead saw an opportunity to donate surplus furniture to those who could benefit most. What started as a single-site initiative has now grown into a wider effort, leading to the successful repurposing of furniture from three of our largest school sites in South London. These donations have gone on to support a variety of community groups, schools, and charitable projects in need, ensuring that valuable resources are put to good use rather than going to waste.
All items were donated in full, with any gratuity going directly to the Young Lewisham Project – one of The LOWE Group’s cherished charity partners, who do incredible work to support young people in the local community.
The Park College
Located in Kennington, The Park College is a Special Needs College for young people with a diagnosis of autism.
- Chairs and couches for the main hall, where meetings and events take place
- Tables, stools, and seating for the common room, student kitchen, art room, and classrooms
University of the Arts London (Camberwell Campus)
- 50+ high chairs and 20+ desks for their new location
- Art storage units and supplies repurposed from the old art block
Space Crafted Local Workshops
A local family-run woodworking company that runs initiatives to teach hands-on skills to their community in an affordable and welcoming environment.
- Workbenches and tool storage from the old Tech Block
- Old machinery, including a band saw, lathe, mortiser, and drills – repaired and reused at their own expense
South London Ex-Military Workshops
A small local group of ex-military men are launching a new woodworking workshop aimed at providing training and skill development for the ex-military community, particularly for those who struggle to re-enter the workplace due to a lack of modern skills.
- Workbenches, tools, and storage
Young Creatives
Additional workbenches, furniture, and excess materials were donated to graduate students of the Creative Industries for use in studios based in Peckham.
ATS Guardians
Existing LOWE Guardians were invited in to rummage and restore, with many taking miscellaneous pieces to furnish their new (temporary) homes.
lm Wood Primary School – Lambeth
- Reception and library furniture
- Teacher classroom furniture – storage units, trays, chairs, desks
- Student lockers
- An abundance of outdoor sports equipment and games
- Reading books
NHS
Local NHS workers partnering with several charities to repurpose books for children in care. This initiative supports local families and encourages sick children to read and aid their recovery.
- Over 400 books donated
Islamabad Library Initiative
A donation of children’s books to a family-led initiative helping to restore their community library in Islamabad, Pakistan, after it was demolished. They also run a local South London library for the Pakistani community, assisting and encouraging children to read and providing access to English books.
Faith Junior School and Wider Initiative
An ex-Zimbabwean, now London-based teacher is working to furnish schools in Shamva, Zimbabwe – which happens to be the hometown of our Head of Social Impact. The added connection made this a truly sentimental, full-circle repurposing project that gives back to communities with very little.
- Over 300 chairs, 80+ tables, and multiple storage units
- Sports equipment, gym mats, and games
- Reading and writing materials, including unused exercise books for English education
The New School – Croydon
The New School is a progressive, alternative secondary school dedicated to empowering young people, nurturing wellbeing, creativity, and their potential for positive change.
- Student lockers
- Chairs, desks, and shelves for classrooms
- Unused stationery and books for students
Nigerian Missionaries Supporting Rural Schools
- Local London missionary groups with ties to Nigeria are working to provide essential school equipment to remote areas, with support from their communities abroad.
- 50+ chairs and 80+ desks for primary schools
If you have a vacant property that needs protection, we’d love to hear from you.