The Cowshed

The Cowshed is a Berkshire-based charity providing free, high-quality clothing and essential items to people of all backgrounds experiencing personal crisis or hardship.

We support individuals and families across Berkshire who are facing difficult times, offering practical help when it is needed most. Our service is completely free and aims to restore dignity and hope by supplying good quality, cleaned, and ironed clothes, as well as other essential items.

How we help:

Over 30,000 people supported in the last 5 years
More than 150,000 essential items provided each year
Referrals accepted from over 250 local organisations
Support for people of all ages and backgrounds, including families, children, and individuals in crisis
Special projects such as Christmas gift sacks for children and prom support
We work closely with local agencies and organisations to ensure that those most in need can access our support quickly and easily. Our dedicated team of over 400 volunteers helps sort, prepare, and distribute donations, making a real difference in the community.

How to access support:

If you are in need, you can request support via a referral from a local organisation or agency. Visit our website for more information on how to get help or to make a referral.
We are open Monday to Friday, 10am–4pm (Referral Centre open until 5pm).
All items are provided free of charge. We rely on donations and the generosity of our community to continue our work. If you would like to help, you can donate items, volunteer, or support us financially.

Visit our website or contact us to find out more about how we can help you or someone you know.