A CRADLEY HEATH charity which acts as a lifeline providing furniture to people in need has been inundated with requests for help as the credit crunch bites.

Loaves 'n' Fishes collects unwanted items such as beds, sofas, tables and kitchenware and distributes them to those who need them - sometimes people who have as little as just a sleeping bag - for free.

It has already helped around 120 people since the start of the year by kitting them out with furniture for their homes.

The Christian project, run entirely by volunteers and based in Waterfall Lane, has been deluged with requests from desperate people including referalls from agencies including social services and mental health services.

Founder Anna Hartland said the charity has run out of beds and is running low on other items.

She launched a desperate appeal for kind-hearted residents to donate items.

Anna said: "In four years we have never run out of beds - it's really bad.

"We are going out to people and finding them sleeping on the floor.

"We helped 206 people last year and have already helped 120 this year - there are so many people in need.

"Last week we helped a man who had been in the army for six years whose relationship had broken down.

"The situation some people are in is awful.

"A lot of people haven't got enough money and support from family and friends to ask for a loan or some money and they can't get grants.

"We only help people in genuine need - it can be as drastic as them literally having nothing."

Many people who are helped by Loaves and Fishes have only the clothes they stand up in and are helped to rebuild their lives when they are given furniture and items to help them set up home.

Anyone with furniture, pots and pans, fridge freezers, bedding, beds and other items they want to donate can call Anna on 0121 533 0633. Items can be dropped off at the charity's base or alternatively volunteers will collect them for free.

Visit www.loavesnfishes.co.uk for details.