A local charity is set to close after 30 years of supporting people in need.
Furnihelp Mid-Sussex, which has been donating free furniture and household goods to individuals and families across the Mid Sussex district since 1996, will close at the end of August 2026.
The decision follows the loss of key funding from West Sussex County Council and ongoing challenges in recruiting new volunteers, as well as the breakdown of the charity’s delivery van.
Neil Gershon, chairman of Furnihelp Mid-Sussex, said: "The trustees greatly regret having to take this decision that will lead to more furniture going to landfill and leave those who are already disadvantaged with even fewer available resources."
The registered charity was formally established in 1996 to address growing need in the community and to reduce the volume of reusable furniture sent to landfill.
The charity selects items suitable for people’s individual needs from its stock of secondhand furniture and household goods entirely free of charge, and even delivers to their homes in the Mid Sussex area.
It has since assisted thousands of struggling households, preventing an untold amount of furniture from going to the tip.
Many of those who use its services are referred by West Sussex Social Services, Mid Sussex District Council Housing Service, NHS agencies, and Citizens Advice.
Furnihelp is and always has been run entirely by local volunteers, with funding from a variety of charitable sources.
West Sussex County Council cut funding to the charity as part of wider budget reductions in March 2026, removing around a third of its annual income —approximately £8,500 — in one fell swoop.
Mid Sussex District Council has also provided the charity with financial support, but only for specific programmes such as the rehousing of Ukrainian refugees.
The charity is now in the process of winding down operations and has advised supporters to direct any comments or queries to admin@furnihelp.co.uk.
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