By Saul Cooke-Black

A NEW Furniture Bank for Stroud District is aiming to transform empty houses into comfortable homes for those most in need.

Working in collaboration with Stroud District Foodbank, the service, based in Brimscombe, relies on donations of unwanted household furniture and goods which are then distributed at a low price to vulnerable residents.

Will Mansell, director of Stroud District Furniture Bank, said: "Over the past four years, the Foodbank’s organisers have noted a growing local need for good quality furniture amongst those in crisis, who desperately want to create a welcoming and comfortable home but do not have the finances.

"Our focus is simply to get the best quality furniture at the lowest cost to those that cannot afford the prices on the High Street, by offering local people a service to dispose of their unwanted furniture easily, enabling them contribute to local people in need.

"Our project is referral only - which means that both donors and our volunteers know that the furniture is going to the most vulnerable members of our community – those who can get the biggest benefit from our service."

And the service has already helped one vulnerable family after being approached by the Stroud Beresford Group, a charity which helps families affected by domestic abuse.

Jill Cooper, manager at The Beresford Group, said: "The family is very typical of many who come out of very difficult personal circumstances and suddenly find they need to set up a new home but have very limited resources.

"Thanks to the generosity of local people our family now have quality used furniture at a price they can afford.

"This really is an invaluable local service."

Donations of beds, chests of drawers, wardrobes, tables, chairs and sofas are all welcome.

For further information visit www.strouddistrictfurniturebank.org.uk or call 01453 367260.