For many people across Britain, this festive season isn’t shaping up to be all that jolly. Even as our economy slowly rumbles back into gear, families across the UK are still struggling to make ends meet amidst continued welfare cuts.

For those of us lucky enough to enjoy a secure and happy Christmas, there is plenty we can do to help. Many householders use Christmas (or the following January sales) as an opportunity to upgrade their old furniture. If this is you, then you can help someone this Christmas without even dipping into your pocket.

How?

By donating your old sofa, bed or other household items to Furniture Donation Network. We will collect any excellent or very good quality furniture and white goods, free of charge, anywhere in the UK.

Earlier this year, the Government scrapped its £347m Local Welfare Assistance fund. The impacts of this decision are still being felt.

According to homeless charities, 90,000 children across England, Scotland and Wales will be homeless on Christmas Day. You won’t see them on the streets. Instead, they are the “hidden homeless.” Living in temporary or unsuitable accommodation, often over-filled and without access to cooking facilities, these children won’t experience the Christmas every child deserves.

Furniture and white goods collected by Furniture Donation Network are passed on to those who need them the most. Items may be donated to low-income families or sold in a local charity shop.

To book a free collection at a time to suit you, simply go to FurnitureDonationNetwork.org.

An approved collection partner in your area will collect the items at a time to suit you. By working with local partners, including charities and social enterprises, we can ensure that your furniture donation goes to help people in your community.

What’s more, Furniture Donation Network helps to sustain the Recycling Lives social welfare charity, tackling homelessness and unemployment all year round!

It might not mean much to you whether your old sofa or bed winds up on the skip or in the back of a donation lorry. But to someone out there, including the 90,000 children who are facing a bleak Christmas, it can make a world of difference.

Furniture Donation Network thanks you for your support this Christmas season.