Staff from West Granton Housing Cooperative will be running another drop in at the Fresh Start Hub (28-30 Ferry Road Drive, entry through the Pantry) on Wednesday 18th November 2.00-5.00pm
Everyone is welcome to come along and ask them for advice around any of the following and more:
Housing related questions.
What benefit support might I be entitled to?
How do I apply for Social Housing in Edinburgh, and
What housing options are available?
What repairs must my landlord carry out to keep my home safe and livable?
How to report any damp or mould to your landlord & “next steps”
Fresh Start, an Edinburgh-based charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families who are moving on from, or at risk of homelessness, are calling on the community to support those in need this Christmas, with several ways to get involved.
With 9,600+ households experiencing homelessness in Edinburgh this year, the power and generosity of community is more impactful than ever before.
This festive season, the best way to support Fresh Start’s services is to donate to its annual Cookers for Christmas Appeal, which raises funds for their White Goods service, providing essential appliances like cookers, washing machines and fridge/freezers for those in need.
Hoping to beat last year’s £31,000 total, Fresh Start asks individuals, businesses, and organisations across Edinburgh and beyond to support the Appeal and ensure everyone has a Happy Christmas this year.
Alongside their White Goods service, Fresh Start provides other essential services, including Starter Packs with household items, local food support through their Community Pantry, and cooking classes to promote healthy living on a budget. They help people rebuild their lives with dignity and a sense of community, offering practical assistance, support, and pathways to long-term stability.
Every donation, big or small, makes a huge difference for people like Sarah*, who was able to “start living like a real human being again” after receiving a cooker for her flat.
For families like the Hashimi’s*, receiving White Goods allowed them to “store and cook healthy homemade meals for our family again. It really has been such a big relief, helping us move on from the last few years, which have been a nightmare.”
Donations can be made via Fresh Start’s JustGiving page, or by cash, cheque or bank transfer, and will ensure families can cook hot meals over Christmas and throughout 2027. Get in touch with Fresh Start at admin@freshstartweb.org.uk or on 0131 476 7741 for more information on how to donate to the appeal.
If you’d like to support Fresh Start’s services more broadly this Christmas, you can also:
Take part in their #GatherForGood campaign by turning your office Christmas Party, ‘Friendmas’, Christmas Carols service, movie night or festive celebrations into a fundraiser for Fresh Start.
Donate to their festive food collection, helping to support hundreds of families and individuals with festive food hampers this Christmas. Donations close on Friday, 4thDecember, with Fresh Start accepting non-perishable seasonal items – see a full list and more details about how to donate on their website.
Spread the word! Help raise awareness with others in your community by following Fresh Start on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sharing their posts with your followers!
Everyone deserves a happy Christmas, and you can help make it happen, in a way that works for you – support Fresh Start this festive season and help those moving on from homelessness in Edinburgh to make a home for themselves.
Join Portobello Running Club on Sunday 30 August at 10:00am for four miles of racing along Portobello Beach at low tide.
Every finisher will receive a bespoke wooden Portobello Beach Race keyring as a lasting memento of the day.
All proceeds will support two fantastic good causes:
Equal access to sporting enrichment activities at Towerbank Primary School Fresh Start, helping people who have experienced homelessness establish themselves in their new homes
There is plenty more to look forward to:
£50 Up & Running vouchers for both our male and female winners More fantastic winners’ prizes A huge variety of spot prizes, giving runners throughout the field the chance to win A raffle featuring more than £400 worth of prizes A delicious community bake sale
The race is friendly, inclusive and welcoming to runners of all abilities. Come along to race, support brilliant local causes and enjoy a fantastic morning on the beach!
Want to use your skills, insight and experience to support those moving on from homelessness in Edinburgh?
Join the Fresh Start Board of Trustees!
Over the past 25 years, we’ve been supporting those who have experienced homelessness to move on to the next chapter of their lives with the dignity and stability that everyone deserves. With rising demand for our services and a strong reputation built over years of delivery and community partnership, we’re recruiting new Trustees to help strengthen governance and support the sustainable, values-led expansion of Fresh Start
As a Trustee, you’ll be responsible for the charity’s governance and strategy, and for making sure that the organisation is administered effectively. You’ll work closely with the other Trustees and our CEO, Biddy Kelly, to ensure that Fresh Start is able to continue our essential work as successfully as possible.
Interested? Visit the link below to learn more and download the info pack for the position. Applications close on 20th of March, 2026 – we look forward to hearing from you!
With a new year now in full swing, we urgently need the following household items for our Starter Packs:
Towels
Crockery / Dinnerware
Pots & Pans
Duvets and Pillows
Small Electrical Goods
For a full list of accepted items, visit our website
Donations of goods can be dropped off at our warehouse at 22-24 Ferry Road Drive, Edinburgh, EH4 4BR, from Monday to Thursday 9am-4pm and Fridays 9am-1pm.
Alternatively, you can order essential household items from our Amazon Wishlist, which will then be delivered directly to our warehouse: https://tr.ee/S8BHy0
Please note, from Monday 6th January, the Pantry membership fee will increase to £5.00 as per Your Local Pantry guidelines and rising food/supply costs.
FRESH START Community Hub is taking signups now for the free new absolute beginners English class on Tuesdays 1 – 3pm starting on Tuesday 14th January.
Portobello Beach Race 2026 
Equal access to sporting enrichment activities at Towerbank Primary School
£50 Up & Running vouchers for both our male and female winners
More fantastic winners’ prizes
A huge variety of spot prizes, giving runners throughout the field the chance to win
A raffle featuring more than £400 worth of prizes
A delicious community bake sale
Want to use your skills, insight and experience to support those moving on from homelessness in Edinburgh?
Towels
Crockery / Dinnerware
Pots & Pans
Duvets and Pillows
Small Electrical Goods
We currently have spaces in our Intermediate English class for those who would like to sign up! (Nat 4 level, ESOL level A2-B1)
Classes run on Tuesdays, 9.30am-12.30pm.
All enquiries, please contact 
