FRESH Start Borders is a local charity which helps gives people who may have been homeless or had other difficulties the chance to start a home in their first permanent tenancy.

John McLaren, a committee member with Fresh Start, spoke to Galashiels and District Rotary Club and explained how they work.

Fresh Start is connected with the Council of Churches but is itself a registered charity and all workers are volunteers. They rely on funding from various sources, including Awards for All, banks and a grant from Scottish Borders Council.

Clients are referred by Housing Associations, NHS, Penumbra and others. They are given starter packs of basic household essentials as they move into their new homes, giving families and individuals a helping hand until they can afford to equip their homes themselves. They expect to give out 400 packs this year, mostly to people in the 16 to 24 age group.

Starter packs contain essential household items such as bedding, kitchen equipment and cleaning materials. The packs are distributed across the Borders by their own volunteers and agencies such as Scottish Borders Council Homelessness Service, local housing associations and charities.

While Fresh Start provides new items in many cases, they also appreciate donations of good quality dishes, kitchen utensils, etc. Find out more about Fresh Start Borders on facebook and their website: www.freshstartborders.org.uk