“After escaping my violent ex-husband, me and my two young children were given a temporary studio flat. The walls were mouldy and our fridge freezer had been broken for months, the beds were damaged and we were sharing one room. When I was referred to Furnishing Futures they visited us straight away, asked what we needed and immediately provided a new fridge freezer, bedding, a hoover, plates, other items and even tablets for the children, which were all new. I remember crying after the items were delivered as I was overwhelmed by the kindness.

Living in those conditions had been particularly challenging because my children's medication needed to be kept in the fridge and the fridge was broken so Furnishing Futures’ support was literally a lifesaver. It eased the stress I was under as a single mother experiencing depression and anxiety and stopped me from worrying all the time.

The best, most mind-blowing part of it all though is that when I was finally given a permanent home, the team responded quickly again and made a home for us out of an empty shell. Beds and mattresses were provided as we had no beds to sleep on, just bare floors. Then a new gas cooker, new washing machine and new fridge freezer were delivered the same week and installed; painting and flooring was done by their wonderful team and literally everything we needed was provided by Furnishing Futures - I mean everything you can think of. It felt like I was dreaming, and everything was done within a short time.

I wouldn't have been able to do any of this without Furnishing Futures’ help as I wouldn't have been able to afford to furnish or make my house a home. The support has transformed all areas of my life positively as well as the children’s. There are less tantrums from my little girl and she's happier now because she has her own bed. Both the children can't wait to get back from school, saying they love their new home and it’s their favourite place to be. The children love their room so much, my son said “we used to sleep on the floor, now we sleep on beds”.

The support has significantly improved my mental health, giving me peace of mind by taking away so many worries. Now I am stress free and over the moon about my new home, which is a real safe haven. It’s  just amazing and I feel blessed to have been supported by Furnishing Futures.”

Pearl was rehoused in an unfurnished two bedroom Council flat with her two young children, which we transformed using furnishings that would otherwise have ended up in landfill. Thank you to Soho House, Soho Home, Laura Ashley, Redrow Homes, Warren Evans, Inca Events and Muchmore Design for donating furniture that went into this healing home. Flooring and decoration were provided by professional local trades.

Pearl later joined our women’s support group where she was able to meet other survivors in a safe space, facilitated by our Specialist Support Worker.