Cllrs Barber, Simpson, Downes, Compton and Poulter support Stafford Furniture Exchange

Cash-strapped charity given boost from local good-cause fund

The grant, which is made up from contributions from the allocations of five local county councillors; Robert Simpson, Jack Barber, Maureen Compton, Veronica Downes and Michael Poulter; ensures that the charity's delivery van will been fuelled up for the approximately 1200 trips that it will make over the coming year.

Stafford Furniture Exchange's Project Manager, Keith Webb, is delighted to have received the money helping to secure the charity's future.

"Our volunteers collect and subsequently deliver furniture to hundreds of people every year, so trying to continue without our van - and volunteers - just wouldn't be an option.

We're very grateful to the county councillors for their contribution to helping people in the Stafford area who may be on low incomes or benefits and need this type of help."

County Councillor Robert Simpson, Deputy Leader of the county council, is delighted to be able to support the Exchange.

"It's not just the fact that Stafford Furniture Exchange has helped thousands of people since it started twelve years ago; it's also about their whole principle of reusing, rather than just throwing away.  The county council is heavily committed to reducing the amount of waste that is sent to landfill, which is exactly what this charity does by finding new homes for our unwanted items."

"The Exchange provides a very professional service to people in need - without prejudice or discrimination," said County Councillor Maureen Compton, "and they are an asset to Stafford because of this."

"I was very happy to donate some of my allocation when the Exchange approached me," continues County Councillor Veronica Downes. "I am grateful to them for the way they are working in the community and hope they remain active for many years to come."

County Councillor Michael Poulter said: "I've always been a big supporter of the Furniture Exchange, and simply can't stress enough how much the van is critical to their success. 

It doesn't take much for any of us to be unlucky enough to fall on hard times, but sometimes all we need is a few basics to help us get back on our feet, which is what the Exchange does every day."

More information about Stafford Furniture Exchange is available at www.thefurnitureexchange.org.uk .  If you are in need of furniture or would like to offer some time to volunteer please leave a message on the website or phone 01785 606674.

Community groups are now being encouraged to apply for a Local Member Initiative Scheme grant.

Since it began in 2001, the LMIS has spent over £4 million on over 3,000 community projects across Staffordshire.

"This year, people living in Stafford will be asked to play a critical part in helping us to allocate our Local Member Initiative Scheme allocations," said Cllr Jack Barber. "We'll be asking everyone to vote for which projects should receive a slice of the £10,000 we're each allocated every year.  This is real community empowerment in action."

Find out more about applying for an LMIS grant in Stafford.