Applying for a grant
Welfare support
We’re there for anything that life throws at you from a minor bump in the road to a major crisis. We hope you never need to contact us but we're here if you do.
How does it work?
Support when YOU need it the most!
Our charity has been supporting the welfare of employees in the furnishing industry, past and present, for more than 100 years. If your financial situation has changed and you are struggling to pay your bills, if you work or have worked in the UK furnishing industry you may be eligible for a grant.
Grants can be awarded for:
• Essential household items
• Essential household bills
• Funeral expenses
• Disabled adaptations
• Property repairs considered essential due to age, security or access
• Disabled / medical equipment
• Respite / convalescent breaks
• General financial hardship
• Pre-tenancy costs and removal costs
It’s so simple to apply for support
We have tried to make the process of applying for support from us as easy as possible.
Download an application form, or if you would prefer us to post out a form to you, please call our welfare officer on 020 7562 8528.
Complete the application form and post or email it to us, together with a copy of a recent bank statement and evidence of your employment within the furnishings industry.
Once we have all the information we need, we aim to let you have a decision within two weeks.
Support FAQs
Am I eligible to apply for support?
To be eligible for financial assistance, you must normally have a minimum of two years’ employment service in any capacity within the UK furnishing industry. This includes companies manufacturing/supplying furniture, kitchens or bathrooms; furniture stores such as DFS, Ikea, Argos; carpet sales or fitting; beds, curtains and upholstery. However, during the COVID-19 crisis, we are accepting applications from people with shorter service periods.
CASE STUDIES
The furnishing industry employs around 338,000 people across manufacturing, retail, design and teaching, and in every sector from home, office and garden furniture, fabrics, carpets, flooring, and lighting, to wall coverings, kitchens, bathrooms, and interior design. And from time to time, someone will need financial assistance or advice.
We are here to help when you need it most – whether you or your partner still work within the industry or did in the past.
You could have a young family or you might have retired. Or sadly your partner was in the industry but they have now passed away. You might need a grant for essential home repairs or a contribution towards specialised equipment, help with the costs of a respite break or replacing a worn-out fridge. Every story is different and we assess each application with care and consideration.
Charity Referrals
What’s Next?
If you’re eligible for support from The Furniture Makers’ Company and you feel ready to get in touch then apply for support with us today.
Fill out the form below and let’s get started.
Or alternatively call:
How can we help
If you would like more information about a financial grant, please contact our welfare officer, Sue Dean