Local charity Fair Frome which runs the Food Bank and other projects designed to provide practical help and support to people in acute need in the town, has also been running a Furniture Bank for over a year. Recent figures show just how successful the scheme has become.
Fair Frome works closely with other local charities and organisations to deliver services and it was those services who highlighted the need for furniture for families and individuals who are fortunate enough to secure housing, but unable to then afford to buy essential items to furnish their property.
Bob Ashford the chair of Fair Frome said, “Housing issues in Frome have been highlighted recently and Fair Frome regularly hears about families moving into properties without even the most basic of equipment which most of us take for granted. We provide a service alongside our great volunteers which recycles furniture and white goods and provides good quality household goods at no cost for those who need it. The feedback from donors and recipients has been excellent.”
“In the last six months, the scheme has collected items from 326 homes and delivered goods which have benefitted over 110 people in the town. The scheme also connects with many local support agencies to ensure goods are targeted and the scheme is joined up with other services. Through a grant from Screwfix we are now able to provide curtain rails and net wires.”
Victoria Gale the Fair Frome Furniture Bank coordinator said, “Through the generosity of the people of Frome and surrounding villages, the Furniture Bank has been able to support a wide range of people. This list includes families, people moving out of the YMCA into their first home and those forced to move in a crisis, leaving everything behind. The age range is from 18 to 77 years old. We are able to provide enough items to make the start of a home. We can set up a kitchen with crockery, cutlery, saucepans, microwave, kettle and toaster, sitting room furniture, bedroom furniture, towels, duvets and bedding sets and a lot in between.”
If you have furniture or white goods you wish to donate please contact Victoria on 01373 488578 or 07718 652991.