Established in 2007, and registered as a charity in 2021, Hidden Help collects, restores and redistributes used furnishings and household goods to those in urgent need. Receiving referrals daily from social services and other statutory bodies, Hidden Help acts quickly to furnish homes and provide goods for people in crisis, free of charge. Situations vary, but those referred to the charity include individuals and families fleeing domestic abuse; war veterans and people who are homeless; elderly and vulnerable adults; refugees in need of shelter, and those being re-housed. Whatever the circumstances, Hidden Help provides basic furnishings, crockery, curtains and more. Most people who use the service have been provided with a sparse flat without even a bed to sleep on. 

After hearing about the amazing work carried out by this charity, we decided we had to contribute to their fundraising efforts. Due to the massive demand for their services, the charity has rented two additional warehouses for storage, meaning a significant increase in costs each month. We donated £400 to cover the cost of one of their warehouses for one month. In return for our donation, we were kindly invited to name a warehouse, which we chose to name ‘Hayley’ as our head office is based in Hayle. 

Hidden Help is aptly named - not only does the charity provide ‘hidden’ and dignified help to those who need it, but their base is also hidden away in the Cornish countryside -  as we discovered on our recent visit to meet Judy and some of the other ‘hidden heroes’ who make up the team of volunteers. 

We were greeted by several enthusiastic team members, all of whom passionately believe in the work they do. Founder Judy Backus, who was awarded an MBE in 2023, is truly inspirational. At 83 years of age, she can be found at the Hidden Help site most days of the week, preparing goods for clients, and even helping to move furniture! 

Along with Judy, we also met Trustee Merisa MacInnes, who was keen to build a connection with us and express her gratitude, "Thank you for the kind donation, it all makes a difference to help us help those in need. We look forward to an ongoing partnership." 

After learning more about the work they do, we were promptly invited along to help out with an urgent delivery to a service client that day! We were quickly introduced to long-term volunteer Joe Snowden, who spends a great deal of his spare time organising deliveries and drivers, collecting and delivering furniture, and, as we discovered - becoming an expert in all things furniture!

It was fantastic for us to be able to see and join in with the team in action. Working efficiently to load up the van, it was a quick turnaround from receiving the referral to delivering the items to those in need. The experience was humbling, and we felt proud to be a very small part of this amazing organisation. We hope to be able to support the charity in the future; whether through monetary donations or staff volunteering days. 

Gemma Taylor, Chair of the Charity Council commented: “we are delighted to be supporting Hidden Help and the incredibly vital work they do across the county. We hope ‘Hayley’ will house plenty of donations for those in need in future and we are looking at ways we can help Judy and her team further.”

To help fund the growing costs associated with the charity, from the warehouses to the van and fuel, there is also a vintage charity shop on site, which is open Wednesdays and Sundays. Led by yet more fantastic volunteers, the shop helps to bring in much-needed funds to keep the charity going. 

At the heart of Hidden Help are the people it supports. However, in their mission to reuse and upcycle items, they have a significant impact on the environment, saving thousands of items from going to landfill, instead giving them a much-appreciated second life. 

To find out more about Hidden Help, take a look at their website: www.hiddenhelp.org

To donate furniture and household items, contact: donations@hiddenhelp.org

And, if you’d like to volunteer with this amazing team, contact: admin@hiddenhelp.org 

Tags: Charities