Starter Packs Association

Background

Over the years the FRN has become aware that the people we support require more than just furniture to establish their home. A cooker is not much use without pots and pans to cook with or crockery and cutlery to eat with. A bed needs bedding, windows need curtains. These things are basic but essential. Over the years a number of re-use charities have provided these goods either as part of a formal scheme or as an ad hoc addition to their services.

In November 2006 Housing Justice organised an event to promote starter packs schemes in London. From that event the FRN set up a seminar in May 2007 for re-use groups and congregations with the support of Housing Justice. The delegates at that event asked FRN to set up a national body to support the development of starter packs and to assist with finding funding and items for new and existing schemes.

Aims

In July 2007 FRN, Housing Justice and Starter Packs Glasgow tentatively launched the Starter Packs Association (following consultation with some of the existing national homelessness bodies). The aims of the association are:

• To promote the development of new schemes and to support existing ones
• To share good practice on running and financing schemes
• To promote links between organisations and individuals at a local level who are interested in starter pack schemes
• To work with homelessness and advice bodies interested in this work
• To obtain items to distribute to schemes,using national and regional contacts

Joining the Start Packs Association is free of charge – all you need to do is email pauls@frn.org.uk with your details.

It has been agreed that Housing Justice will take a lead on this work in London and FRN will cover the rest of the United Kingdom. The main contact at Housing Justice is Alastair Murray – he can be contacted on 0207 7723 7273 or a.murray@housingjustice.org.uk

Existing Schemes

The following list provides the names and contact details of organisations offering starter packs on a formal or informal basis known to the SPA (please call us with information of other schemes):

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