RESIDENTS are being encouraged to return unused community equipment to help others in need.

The call comes from the Gloucestershire Equipment Loan Service, which provides equipment such as walking aids, hospital beds and shower chairs to residents following an assessment by a healthcare professional. This helps people recover after illness, avoid hospital admissions and maintain their independence.

Returning equipment when it is no longer needed plays a crucial role in keeping the service running. In April, more than 5,400 items were returned from the community, with a total value of over £730,000. These items can now be redeployed quickly to support others.

Cllr Dr Kate Usmar, Cabinet Member for Adults’ Support and Independence at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “This equipment makes a real difference to people’s lives, helping them stay independent and recover safely at home.

“When it’s no longer needed, returning it means we can quickly clean, refurbish and pass it on to someone else who needs it.

“It’s a simple step that helps us support more people across Gloucestershire and make the best use of public money. Every item handed back really does help us to help others.”

In April alone, the service delivered 5,590 items and collected 4,511, reaching more than 3,100 individual customers. Thousands of items were cleaned, refurbished and returned to stock, ready to be reused by others.

Residents can find out more about the service, including how to return equipment, on the Gloucestershire County Council website.

For more information, you can telephone 01452 520438 between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday, or email [email protected]

Residents can also fill out an online query form to arrange collection of unwanted equipment, or to ask about a delivery or collection which has been missed.