A Devizes based charity is poised to respond to the lasting effects of the pandemic on poverty in Wiltshire.

Kennet Furniture Refurbiz (KFR) is a furniture and white goods reuse charity which refurbishes and sells quality furniture and white goods at a discounted price for low income households.

Their work, which has been ongoing since 1996, also combats climate change by reducing carbon emissions and cutting waste.

Volunteers also work with other organisations to find people who are really struggling, and donate items to help them get back on their feet.

With more than 15,000 children currently living in poverty in Wiltshire, a figure expected to rise, KFR are ready to respond to a potential rise in demand for their services.

While, like so many other organisations, the charity's fundraising efforts have been somewhat stalled this year – their work has still quietly been going on in the background of the pandemic.

Manager of KFR, Daniel Thompson, said: “We’ve remained open during lockdown and the team has worked incredibly well. Without our Facebook page I don't know what we would have done. It goes without saying that more support will be needed long after the pandemic is over as more and more people struggle financially.

“We want to make sure we reach people who really need us, and let people know what we do.

“We recently recruited our first apprentice, as boosting employment opportunities is also part of what we do. It is really fulfilling to see the difference KFR can make."

A family surviving on tax credits and child benefit was recently referred to the charity by Dione Primary School.

Within four days of contacting KFR the family - of two adults and four children - were able to move from a shared house to start again in a new home, and KFR was able to donate a tumble dryer and washing machine to assist in the rehabilitation a young family.

A disabled male, who had been living homeless in his car for six months, was also a recent client of KFR. Referred by Green Square Housing, the man was able to receive a cooker, washing machine, tumble dryer and a fridge freezer, all delivered by the charity to his address.

KFR, in partnership with Aster, Wiltshire Council and other groups, also run the KFR Provision Fund in which white Goods are provided for free to low income households facing severe deprivation.

To date the KFR Provision fund has given 200 items of free white goods, to a value of £27,000 to help people battling homelessness, job loss, financial crises, mental illness, alcohol and drug related issues. Mr Thompson added: “There’s a deep recession coming after the pandemic and people will need us more than ever. Any support from the wider community is much appreciated."

To find out more go to kfr.org.uk