A NEW scheme is being launched that could see struggling families receive much-needed furniture and white goods.

Working with local furniture providers, the county council has launched a new network to help those facing financial difficulty gain access to affordable, and sometimes free, furniture, white goods and electrical items.

The Hampshire Furniture Reuse Network aims to help families that normally ‘make do’ or ‘go without,’ in an effort to help them avoid high cost borrowing and loan repayment schemes which often lead to further financial problems.

Councillor Liz Fairhurst, executive member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: “The network is an excellent way of helping people access affordable, high-quality, essential and desirable items during times of hardship and to reduce their dependency on taking out loans.

“Organisations who provide support to vulnerable people are encouraged to get in touch to find out how they can access the network to support individuals and families they work with. Residents can also donate their unwanted items to the network and further information is available at hants.gov.uk/furniturenetwork”.

For more information about the Hampshire Future Reuse Network, to donate an item, as well as find out about a collection or drop off point visit hants.gov.uk/furniturenetwork.

For organisations who would like to get involved call 01962 847218 or email dan.stoneman@hants.gov.uk.