A charity is appealing for donations of unwanted household items after being contacted by a family for help with re-homing.

Charity manager Alison Cross-Jones, of the Malmesbury branch of Heals (Help, Encourage-ment and Local Support), was emailed by a mother asking for help for her autistic and dyslexic son who is due to be moving into an unfurnished flat between now and Christmas.

The family is struggling financially and hopes the community can come to the rescue.

Mrs Cross-Jones said: “We have been able to signpost this family to arrange support through our partners, so that they can have someone to talk to, which is what they have really needed.

“We have also spoken to them about benefits, job opportunities and so on.”

The charity is appealing for donations to help furnish the flat for the young man, who has not been identified.

Heals has also pledged to ring-fence a cut from its Helping Hands project, so funds from the scheme will go towards furnishing new homes for vulnerable people.

Mrs Cross-Jones said: “Five years ago, this man would have got a Community Care Grant, where he would have said what he needed and then it would have been decided what he could have been given, but that has now gone; the Government has done away with that.

“These people are not asking for the world; they just want a home.”

Mrs Cross-Jones hopes people will come forward with unwanted household items for this family, or donate to the Helping Hands fund where money can be used towards furnishing vulnerable people’s homes.

The applicant would have to apply for the funding for particular items, which is due to become available in the New Year, and Heals will assess their need.

To donate items or money towards the Helping Hands fund, call Mrs Cross-Jones on 07931 098347 or email heals.malmesbury@gmail.com