A FAMILY run business has teamed up with the Vale of Glamorgan Council to provide free sofas and chairs for people in need.

The Place For Homes has identified more than 15 sets of sofas and chairs that they are going to be giving away.

Prior to Christmas, managing director Rhian Francis was alerted to the increased issue of homelessness in the Vale of Glamorgan through media coverage.

She became aware that after people are rehomed they often are without furniture and decided that as a business the Place for Homes would like to help.

Ms Francis said: “We contacted the housing department at the Vale of Glamorgan Council who were delighted with the proposition and were shocked that brand new quality sofas and chairs were going to be given free.

“Councillor Bronwyn Brookes, the councillor in charge of housing, explained the need that was on our doorstep and the number of people that were rehomed by the council but had no furniture at all.”

Vale council’s cabinet member for housing and social care and health Cllr Bronwen Brooks visited the store last month to view some of the sofas and chairs on offer and ask how and why The Place For Homes had decided to undertake this initiative.

Cllr Brooks said: “We are extremely grateful to The Place For Homes for such a generous gesture.

“A number of people have no furniture at all after being rehomed.

“This furniture will be given to some of the Vale’s most vulnerable people.

“It will make their domestic lives more comfortable, often after periods of homelessness.”

Ms Francis explained that all the sofas and chairs on offer were new, meeting relevant fire regulations.

Some of the sofas were delivered, free, to Barry by The Place for Homes’ delivery teams on Wednesday, February 8.

The company, which recently celebrated 50 years of trading, plans to continue the initiative. Discussions have already begun to provide dining, beds and bedroom furniture to those in need.