Witley Jones Furniture, a bespoke furniture design company in Stourport, recently supported YSS to the tune of more than £1,000 by providing 12 bespoke lockers for the charity’s head office in Worcester, completely free of charge, saving the charity approximately £1,500 in furniture costs.

Established in 1997, Witley Jones Furniture designs, manufactures and installs bespoke furniture for schools and educational facilities across the UK, Europe and across the globe. Dave Manser, Business Development Manager at Witley Jones Furniture, decided to make the generous donation after learning more about the work YSS does to support marginalised people in society. He said: “I took a call from Sharon Toy, YSS Assistant Accountant, who was keen to purchase some lockers for staff members - to lock away valuables and have a personal storage space. After learning of the great work the YSS team do in our local community, in very challenging circumstances, I couldn’t help but feel this small gesture was the perfect way of Witley Jones showing appreciation.

"It has been a pleasure to deal with everyone at YSS, and be able to provide something tailored exactly to their needs without having to worry about cost. The lockers look great and it’s only a small way of us thanking them for the great work they do - having faith in those less fortunate than many of us and giving people second chances. I’m glad we were able to help.”

Lorraine Preece, Chief Executive at YSS, met with Dave and offered some sweet treats for staff at Witley Jones Furniture to enjoy, to thank everyone involved in donating the equipment. She said: “I was overwhelmed to learn that Witley Jones Furniture offered to pay for the cost of new bespoke lockers for use by YSS staff at our new offices in Blackpole, Worcester. This news has been really exhilarating and the lockers will be enjoyed and used for many years, particularly by our keyworkers who are often out and about in the community as well as working in the head office in Worcester.

“YSS works with some of the most marginalised people in society, from young carers aged seven – 25 through to people coming out of prison. All of our work is about supporting and empowering people to make positive choices and have better lives. Many of those we support have little of what most of us take for granted – whether that is a roof over our head, positive family relationships, strong friendships, good health or financial resilience.

“I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone at Witley Jones Furniture for deciding to support YSS. Such generosity in what are tough times for the voluntary sector, where demand for our services has never been so great yet funding is constantly being reduced, is so greatly appreciated. You have given us all such a wonderful boost, thank you.”

If you’d like to find out more about the services YSS delivers, please go to yss.org.uk. To find out more about Witley Jones Furniture, please go to witleyjones.com.