Furnishing Futures: Julia’s story

The charity creating healing homes for women fleeing domestic abuse, gets a helping hand from George Clark’s TV stylist

CEO Emily Wheeler and her team, alongside George Clark’s TV show stylist Jane Berry, have recently refurbished a one-bedroom flat in London for Julia (not her real name) and her little girl who escaped domestic abuse.

After leaving her partner, Julia spent two nights sleeping in her car with her daughter as they couldn’t find suitable emergency accommodation and were too scared to go to friends or family where her ex-partner might find them. Following that, they were given temporary accommodation and eventually the flat. But it was completely empty with no flooring, curtains, white goods or furniture.

‘When I finally thought, “This is it, we have a home!” I was left heartbroken as I walked in and there was nothing. It was a shell,’ says Julia. ‘The thoughts running through my head were “How can I cook my daughter food? How can I wash her clothes? Where is she going to sleep?” Then Emily came along and she felt like a guardian angel. She filled the place with light, calm and most importantly that “home” feeling. She made me feel like I had made it, and all the fight and hardship were worth it. It finally felt like everything was going to be okay.’

Money from fundraising paid for floor fitters (Dench) to lay vinyl flooring (donated by an interior designer) and a new washing machine, cooker and fridge freezer. Furnishings are mostly pieces from the charity’s new warehouse that would otherwise have ended up in landfill. The sofa bed, child’s bed and wardrobe were donated by members of the public and everything else from brands, designers and influencers including curtains from Romo, tableware from Soho Home, a play mat from Totter & Tumble and a floor lamp from House of.

‘I just want to say a massive thank you, as Furnishing Futures has changed my life in more ways than they can imagine,’ says Julia. ‘My life before was scary, exhausting and lonely. I didn’t feel like it was worth living. Trying to break the cycle and leave someone who is a bully was very difficult, especially having a daughter. When I eventually did, it was like I walked into another hell. I found it very difficult to get somewhere to stay even for the night to keep my daughter and I safe. I will be forever grateful for what Furnishing Futures has done for us. My daughter can actually lay in her own bed and feel safe, warm and able to be a child. Thank you.’

How you can help

Donate goods by contacting donate@furnishingfutures.org, volunteer to help at volunteer@furnishingfutures.org or buy a charity gift online.