Volunteer and funding problems force charity to close after 28 years

A small charity that has been providing donated furniture to communities in need for the last 28 years has been forced to close due to funding and volunteer recruitment issues.

Furnihelp Mid Sussex has announced that it will permanently close by the end of July and will no longer be carrying out new collections of furniture and household items.

Any remaining stock will be delivered to those who have already been referred to the charity.

Those that refer families and individuals to the charity include care agencies, housing associations, social workers and GP surgeries.

Its funding from West Sussex County Council ending this year, challenges recruiting volunteers and the need to replace its transport have contributed to the charity’s closure.

“After nearly 30 years of successfully helping those in need in Mid Sussex we have been forced to close the charity at the end of July by a combination of adverse factors:
No new volunteers to replace the ageing group, our van off to the knacker’s yard and the final straw the withdrawal by West Sussex County Council of our funding,” it states on its website.

It’s Facebook page adds that during July and August it may be able to get small items including crockery and bedding to clients.

“Thank you to everyone who has donated unwanted items, helped reduce landfill that has enabled us to support residents over the years,” it added.

Among the charity’s supporters to comment on its social media post about its closure is Jackie Healing, whose late parents “worked with this charity and we recently donated some of their stuff when we sadly cleared their house after their passing”.

She added: “How will the needy furnish their homes and no doubt things will all end up in landfill or worse fly tipped.”

According to the charities register the charity had been supported by 10 volunteers during the 12 months to March 2025. Over this period its total income was £23,076 and it spent £21,285. During this year it was reliant on council and other government funding, totalling £18,000.