Essentials Hub

Providing clothing, bedding and household items

The Essentials Hub is here to support people who are in urgent need of basic clothing, bedding, or household items.

Our Hub is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 12pm. Please arrive before 11:30am at the latest, so we have time to help you.

A kind and caring team of trained volunteers will welcome you and support you in choosing the items you need. All items are donated and second-hand. Stock is limited, so we may not always have exactly what you are looking for, but we will do our best to help.

How the service works:

Step 1: Referral

• To come to the Essentials Hub, you will need a referral form.
• This must be completed by a professional or organisation who knows your situation (for example: a support worker, social worker, housing officer, teacher, doctor, or faith leader).
• Family members or friends cannot complete the referral.

How to get and return the referral form:

1. Referees can request a Referral Form by emailing admin@openhandsleicester.org.uk.
2. Once completed and signed, the form must be returned in one of two ways:
   The referee can email the completed form back to Open Hands.
   Or, the referee can give a paper copy of the completed form to their client, who should bring it with them to the Hub.

Step 2: Visiting the Essentials Hub

• On arrival, guests will be welcomed by our volunteers.
• With support, you will be able to choose clothing and household items according to what has been requested on the referral form.
• Everything is second-hand and donated, so we cannot guarantee that all items will be available, but we will aim to meet your needs as best as possible.

Step 3: Wash and Wear

• We recommend that all clothing and bedding are washed before being used.
• Where possible, we provide washing capsules to help with this.

Essentials Hub Information
Opening Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am-12pm (latest arrival 11:30am)
Location: The Open Hands Compassion Centre, 19 Lower Willow Street, Leicester, LE1 2HP

If you are looking for food support, please visit our Food Store page.