Access to clothing, toiletries, bedding and household items

Our drop-in sessions are open every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-12pm (latest arrival 11:30am) to help to meet people’s most basic and practical of needs. An excellent team of trained volunteers provide the service in which clothing, toiletries, bedding and household items (limited stock available) are available to guests on receipt of an Open Hands referral form.

How the service works:

1. Referral: Individuals and families in need of emergency help can be referred to us by a professional or organisation (not a family member or friend) who knows that they need our services. This could be a support worker, social worker, housing officer, child’s school teacher, doctor or handed to your client to bring with them to a drop-in session. Once a genuine need has been identified, an appropriate referee can request a copy of our ‘Click and Collect Referral’ Form by emailing admin@openhandsleicester.org.uk. Once the form has been received it can be completed and signed on behalf of the individual/s in need and then emailed back to us or handed to your client to bring with them to a drop-in session.
2. Drop-In: During our drop-in sessions (opening hours and location below) individuals will choose their own clothing and bedding items according to what they have been referred for with the assistance of our volunteer team. We aim to meet each service user’s needs as best we can with our second-hand, donated stock, however, we cannot guarantee availability of requested items.
3. Wash and Wear: We recommend that clothing and bedding are washed before their first use. We will provide a washing capsule with every order where possible.

We will no longer be pre-packing clothing orders unless explicitly requested. If your service-user needs a pre-packed hamper we must receive their referral form by email 24 hours before collection (collection is available during our drop-in opening hours below). A service user or referee can collect the order but must do so within 1 week of placing the order – after which uncollected items will be returned to stock.

Drop-In Opening Times: 10am-12pm (latest arrival 11:30am) Tuesdays and Thursdays

Location: The Open Hands Compassion Centre, 19 Lower Willow Street, Leicester, LE1 2HP

To refer an individual for our furniture services please visit our Furniture page.
To refer an individual to our Food Store please visit our Food Store page.