12 Feb 2026
Building Relations, a specialist PR agency for the property and built environment sector, has announced today that it has partnered with London-based charity Furnishing Futures as its Charity of the Year for 2026.
Founded by Emily Wheeler in 2019, Furnishing Futures' mission is to create safe, secure and healing spaces for women and children escaping domestic abuse by creating fully furnished homes for those placed in empty social housing across the capital. These homes aim to break the cycle of abuse, reduce poverty, and support women and children's safety and wellbeing.
With less than 2% of social housing tenancies coming furnished[1], some even without flooring or window coverings, white goods or painted walls, 'Healing Homes' is the charity's most significant project for survivors of domestic abuse, who do not have the financial means to start again.
Working with experienced interior designers, using trauma-informed and nature inspired design principles, the charity creates beautifully designed and transformative homes for women and children, helping them to rebuild their lives.
Through the donation of new or 'as new' furniture and accessories by the interiors industry, these 'Healing Homes' also save approximately 92,000kg of furniture from the landfill and 120 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere.
Alongside providing financial support throughout the year, Building Relations PR plans to kick off the partnership in March by undertaking dedicated volunteering days at Furnishing Future's warehouse in Leyton. The team will help to pack and sort furniture and homeware, as well as spend time with the charity to learn more about its services.
Emily Wheeler, Founder and CEO of Furnishing Futures, comments: “The need for support for charities such as ours has never been more urgent with the cost of living continuing to rise, especially in London. This is why we're honoured that Building Relations PR have made us their Charity of the Year and we are grateful for their ongoing support in tackling furniture poverty. The company's values of community and sustainability strongly align with our charity, and this partnership will help us transform even more empty houses into homes where families can heal and rebuild their lives.”
Kathryn Reucroft, Managing Director at Building Relations PR, comments: “Furnishing Futures' strong and inspiring commitment to housing, community and sustainability reflects many of our core principles at Building Relations PR. We are looking forward to supporting the charity through a range of volunteering, fundraising and profile-raising initiatives throughout 2026, ultimately working towards the vital aim of supporting more domestic abuse survivors.”
Additional services offered by Furnishing Futures also include a full redesign and refurbishment service for women's refuge providers in London, specialist wrap around support ranging from women's support groups to safety planning and risk assessments, as well as a new employability programme.
Building Relations is a PR and communications agency that has offices in London and Edinburgh, with clients including large and small developers, housebuilders, housing associations & providers, estate, land and buying agents, construction firms and many other types of property-related companies. For further details on Building Relations, please visit: www.building-relations.co.uk.
For more information on Furnishing Futures and how you can support their work, visit www.furnishingfutures.org.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
For more information please call Erin Roberts on 07727 350462 or email erin@building-relations.co.uk