A Shropshire charity has relaunched a financial fund and fundraising scheme at their annual celebration event.

The Furniture Scheme, based in Ludlow, welcomed MP Philip Dunne, Minister of State for Health, as guest speaker at the event last week (DEC 8), when a rebranded fund aimed at supporting people on low incomes to improve their job prospects was revealed.

Jean Jarvis MBE, Chief Executive of The Furniture Scheme, said the event at Craven Arms Community Centre (CasCA), in Newington Way, was a great occasion to reintroduce the Enabling Fund.

She said: “This scheme has supported more than 140 people in the south of the county since 2012 and this annual event provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate this.

“It is also the perfect way to say thank you to our volunteers for their tireless work and to remind them of the ways in which we can help them.

“We are really proud of the Enabling Fund – a project The Furniture Scheme manages on behalf of the Hall Garth Charitable Trust.

“In the past it has supported driving lessons, making it easier for people to access work, childcare and transports costs to attend an interview, work clothes trade tools, start-up costs for a new business, short-term training and educational fees and even small repairs to cars or an MoT to allow people to get back to work.

“We are looking for organisations and individuals who may be interested in supporting this work and feel able to donate to the Enabling Fund. It really can make a big difference to someone’s life.”

The fund is targeted at people living in south Shropshire, specifically in Ludlow, Craven Arms, Bishop’s Castle, Church Stretton, Cleobury Mortimer and surrounding areas. Grants of up to £500 are available but larger amounts are considered – the average grant is £250.

At the celebration event, attended by 70 people, a video about the work of The Furniture Scheme was premiered and Mr Dunne spoke about the health benefits of the work of the charity. Click here to see the film The Furniture Scheme – More than just furniture.

The Friends of the Furniture Scheme, a way to make a regular donation, was also revived.

“The Friends scheme is a way for people who want to get involved by signing up and being able to give regular donations,” Jean added.

“Regular donations are vital in allowing us to continue the work we do locally.”

The Furniture Scheme is based at Rockspring Community Centre, Sandford Road, Ludlow. For more information about the work it does or for details of how to support the Enabling Fund call 01584 874 922, email info@furniturescheme.co.uk or visit the website at www.furniturescheme.co.uk.

 

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December 15, 2017