An Annan-based project to help people with furnishing their new homes has picked up a grant from Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership’s (DGHP’s) Tenant Community Fund.

Tenants of DGHP, who are on the organisation’s Annandale and Eskdale District Management Committee (DMC), awarded £5,000 to Annan CAN – Re-Furnish.

The project is aimed at supporting DGHP tenants who need assistance with their tenancies by providing household packs – which include furniture and household goods, including white goods. Referrals for this support would always come direct from DGHP staff.

Alis Balance, chief executive officer of CAN, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with DGHP on such a worthwhile project. The money will go a long way to helping many DGHP tenants when they first receive the keys to their new homes.

“Our premises - at Unit 13 Silverlaw Industrial Estate in Annan, are open for anyone to pop in to have a look around, or you can phone us on 01461 203 281.”

Annan CAN is part of Moffat CAN, a social enterprise focusing on environmental projects focusing on re-use, repair and local food.

It became apparent to DGHP, through previous work, that furniture was part of the waste stream that could be dealt with much better. People, especially the younger generation, when starting out are always in need of cheap, but good quality, furniture. That’s where the inspiration for the Re-Furnish project came from.

Robert Carnochan, DGHP’s Annandale and Eskdale DMC member, added: “I was really impressed with the amount of household goods that were in stock at their premised. It was great to see how DGHP tenants can benefit from this funding.”