A community project which helps those struggling across Stirling with furnishing their homes is hoping to spread the word about its work.
The Furniture Project is organised by the Stirling Salvation Army and is based at a unit in Munro Road in the city, offering a range of ‘upcycled’ furniture for people living on the breadline locally.
The project forms part of the Salvation Army’s efforts to improve the lot of those who access their support, alongside referrals to foodbanks and food parcels, access to a drug and alcohol worker and providing Christmas presents for children.
It has been backed by a pair of local councillors - Bannockburn representative Alasdair Macpherson and Dunblane and Bridge of Allan’s Douglas Dodds who is Stirling’s Provost - who recently joined staff at Munro Road to publicise the furniture project.
Sandy Reynolds from the Stirling Salvation Army told the Observer: “The project was actually started 12 years ago by a previous officer, Billy McMurray and the whole aim is to help the community by offering recycled furniture.
“We work with Stirling Council so we can help out people receiving their first tenancy and we also have a referral policy that people can get their furniture for half price if they are struggling.
“It’s a relaunch of what we’ve been doing and trying to make sure that we’re getting the word out to people that we might be able to help.”
The surge in energy prices has led to concerns over a cost of living crisis - with some organisations reporting that those living in poverty are facing the stark choice between feeding their families and heating their homes over winter.
“We’re getting a lot of calls about gas and electricity at the moment”, Sandy admits.
“People are just sitting cold and that will only get worse over the winter, so I’m glad we can provide some hot meals; the prices are set to go bananas over the winter so we must make sure that we’re looking after people.”
Provost Dodds said: “When I first got elected in 2017, I became a volunteer down at the Salvation Army in Drip Road. I have known Sandy and Billy as officers and since then the work they do to recycle furniture is tremendous. This helps more vulnerable families and reduces landfill.
“They do a wonderful job and I am happy to support them in any way I can.”
Meanwhile, Councillor Macpherson added: “I’m always happy to lend my support that Sandy and his team do at the Salvation Army.
“The work they do supporting the most vulnerable in Stirling is done quietly in the background but they deserve massive credit for their efforts, which continued during lockdowns unlike other support groups.”
