BY donating your unwanted furniture to the Ferry Project you can clear some space and, at the same time, provide work and training opportunities for the homeless. That is the message from Richard Ellis, chairman of the East of England Development Agency,

BY donating your unwanted furniture to the Ferry Project you can clear some space and, at the same time, provide work and training opportunities for the homeless.

That is the message from Richard Ellis, chairman of the East of England Development Agency, during Poverty and Homelessness Action Week 2008, which runs until Sunday.

EEDA recently announced a £750,000 grant, under the building communities fund, to the Wisbech-based Ferry Project which provides shelter, advice and guidance for homeless people.

Through SOFA (Shifting Old Furniture Around), a furniture recycling business, the project is able to gain invaluable training and work experience opportunities.

Mr Ellis said: "EEDA recognises the importance of social enterprises like the Ferry Project in helping some of the region's most vulnerable people.

"We awarded them a £750,000 grant enabling them to expand on this support. We would like to take the opportunity this coming week to ask people in the region to support the Ferry Project and the excellent work they do for the local community by donating furniture"

Keith Smith, director of the Ferry Project said: "If we give homeless people a chance to start again, many will take it first time, some need more help and more chances.

Homeless people come from all walks of life. We've helped accountants, computer programmers, students, shop keepers, builders and mechanics to name just a few. We are grateful to EEDA for the funding they have given us, enabling us to continue to support homeless people in the region."

SOFA, which has a shop outlet in Wisbech and a warehouse in March, cleans, restores and sells donated furniture to members of the public at affordable prices.

If you have any unwanted items that you would like to donate, SOFA can be contacted on 01945 467596.