SOME families will be sleeping on the floor this Christmas, says a charity launching an appeal for unwanted furniture.

Armchair Worcester is “desperate” for single and double beds for people who are trying to get on their own two feet and live independently.

Hardship is increasing demand for Armchair’s services providing furniture to people moving out of assisted living, whether a B&B or a hostel.

They need beds – consisting of frame and clean mattress – as well as wardrobes, chests of drawers and tables and chairs.

Margaret Jones, a charity trustee, said they were dealing more and more with clients who had lost their job and then lost their home and were trying to get back on their feet.

She says clients were from all walks of life but all deserved “dignity”, starting with what many of us take for granted – a bed to sleep in at night.

“The demand for our service outstrips what we get in,” said Mrs Jones.

“Not only are we getting as much demand as always, but people I think are holding on to what they have, given that times are hard and money is tight.”

Referrals for furniture come from housing and other related charities and agencies such as the YMCA, Worcester Housing and Benefits Centre and the Citzens’ Advice Bureau, among others.

Mrs Jones said: “At the moment we have a waiting list for 49 wardrobes, 51 chests of drawers, 13 double beds and 15 single beds.

"That list is not getting any shorter – as soon as the furniture is coming in, it is gone.”

The charity, which collects and delivers to addresses in Worcester, picks up from one location and delivers straight to where it is needed.

The furniture rarely goes back to Armchair’s city depot.

Mrs Jones said even those moving into their own home and eligible for the Government’s community care grants often do not have enough money to buy a cooker and white goods and also get a bed.

She said: “We have families where the mum, the dad and the children are all in one bed. And we have families sleeping on the floor.

"In this day and age that just isn’t acceptable so we want to help.”

People can arrange a pick-up of unwanted furniture, including beds and wardrobes (preferably not large Victorian-style), by calling 01905 456080 or visiting armchairworcester.co.uk