Moving into a new tenancy can be both an exciting and stressful time for those moving on from homelessness. After a period of instability where they have often been left with nothing, having to purchase all the essentials needed to make a house a home can be outside their means - this is where Fresh Start can help.
Our longest-running service, we offer a range of Starter Packs to help people set up their new home or to help sustain a tenancy if someone is experiencing financial difficulty. Starter Packs take the weight of financial stress off the shoulders of those in need, allowing them to settle into their new home with the sense of dignity and stability they deserve.
We have a number of starter packs available to help individuals and families set up their new home, or to help them sustain a tenancy if they are experiencing financial difficulties.
Starter Packs are available in the following categories:
Bedding & Linen: Single, Double and/or King Duvet Covers, Duvets, Pillows, Pillow Cases, Blankets, Towels, Curtains, Face Cloths.
Crockery: Dinner Plates, Side Plates, Bowls, Cutlery, Glasses, Mugs, Tea-Towels.
Cookware: Soup Pots, Frying Pans, Milk Pans, Cooking Utensils, Can Openers, Potato Peelers, Wooden Spoons.
Cleaning Items: Washing Up Liquid, Toilet Cleaner, Bin Bags & Liners, Dustpan & Brushes, All Purpose Cleaners, Laundry Tablets, J-Cloths.
Toiletries: Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Hand Soap, Toilet Rolls, Shampoo, Conditioner, Deodorant, Sanitary Items.
Non-Perishable Food Items: Tins & Jars of Beans, Spaghetti, Soup, Vegetables, Meat, Fish. Cooking Sauces, Pasta, Rice, Cereal, Porridge, Biscuits, Sugar, Tea Bags, Instant Coffee, UHT Milk.
Small Household Appliances: Kettles, Toasters, Lamps, Irons, Vacuum Cleaners, Radios, DVD Player, Microwaves, Music Systems.
When available, we also offer other donated items such as toastie makers/grills, hairdryers, food mixers/blenders, microwaves, TVs, lamps, irons, vacuum cleaners, and artwork.
Starter Packs of essential items are carefully assembled by volunteers and are tailored to suit the needs of the individual or family receiving them. While we do purchase some items for the Starter Packs, most of the household essentials we include have been donated by members of the community, for which we are incredibly grateful.
Do you have household items that could be used in our Starter Packs?
For a full list of accepted and non-accepted items, and to find out how to donate, click here.
Do You Need a Starter Pack?
To access our services, you'll need to be referred to Fresh Start by either a housing officer, social worker, support worker, your GP, Citizen's advice, etc. or any agency or organisation that you're working with for support.
Once our team receives your referral, we'll assess your needs in line with our services and will be in touch to discuss what we can do to help you. If you have any further questions regarding the referral process, please contact us.
Fresh Start is unfortunately unable to accept and distribute items of furniture. If you have just moved into your tenancy and need furniture, ask your Housing Officer to complete the referral form for Bethany Christian Trust (who do offer furniture) and send it directly to them. You can also apply for our Starter Packs using this form and sending it to the Bethany Gateway Project. If you have any questions about the Project, please contact them at 0131 561 8903.
Want to volunteer in our warehouse?
Click here to find out more and get in touch.
