Starter Packs
SHAX helps families rebuild their lives after homelessness or crisis by providing FREE essential starter packs including kettles, microwaves, bedding, hygiene items, and more to create a safe and comfortable home.
What Are Emergency Home Starter Packs?
Essential items—helping rebuild lives, one pack at a time
More Than Just Items - They're Hope
Emergency Home Starter Packs include essential items like kitchenware, bedding, and personal hygiene products to help individuals move into new tenancies with dignity. These comprehensive packs address their immediate needs during vulnerable transitions.
When we first started, the price of an Emergency Home Starter Pack for a single person was £150. The current price has risen to £280+ - an increase of more than 87%. Despite rising costs, these packs remain completely free to clients, funded entirely by community donations and support.
Every item is carefully selected to provide maximum impact, helping individuals establish stability in their new homes and rebuild their lives with dignity.
Complete Home Setup
Each pack now costs £280+ but remains free to clients through community funding
What's Inside The Emergency Home Starter Pack?
Each pack contains carefully selected essential items across multiple categories to help someone establish their new home with dignity
🍴 Kitchen Essentials
- • Microwave
- • Kettle
- • Toaster
- • Dinner Plates
- • Side Plates
- • Bowls
- • Cutlery
- • Cooking Utensils
- • Mugs
- • Sauce Pan
- • Frying Pan
- • Glasses
- • Kitchen Extras (measuring cups, etc. Donated)
🛏️ Bedding & Comfort
- • Duvet (appropriate size)
- • Pillows
- • Duvet Cover
- • Pillow Cover
- • Fitted Sheets
- • Bath Towel
- • Hand Towel
- • Face Towel
- • Blanket (winter)
🧽 Cleaning Essentials
- • Multi Purpose Cleaner
- • Bin Bags
- • Dish Cloth
- • Dust Pan & Brush
- • Sink Basin
- • Dish Sponge
- • Laundry Pods
- • Washing Up Liquid
- • Tea Towel
👨👩👧👦 Kids Packs
*Included when families with children are supported
- • Pens
- • Pencils
- • Pencil Case
- • Ruler/Eraser
- • Bottle
- • Kids Toys
- • Backpack
- • Books
👨👩👧👦 Kids Hygiene
*Included when families with children are supported
- • Toothbrush
- • Toothpaste
- • Shampoo
- • Body Wash
- • Baby Wipes
- • Nappies
👨👩👧👦 Adults Hygiene
- • Sanitary Products
- • Shampoo
- • Shower Gel
- • Razors
- • Shaving Cream
- • Deodorant
- • Toilet Roll
- • Body Sponge
- • Tooth Brush
- • Tooth Paste
Complete Home Setup in One Pack
Every pack is customized based on family size and specific needs, ensuring individuals and families have everything needed to start fresh in their new home.
SHAX Impact - Rising to the Demand
2024 has been one of the busiest periods for SHAX and the team is working hard due to the effects of the soaring demand for our services.
In 2024 we supported more people than ever in crisis due to homelessness and poverty. Our efforts have also increased volunteer and work placement opportunities, and we have successfully diverted an impressive 206 tonnes of household donations from landfill.
+23 Volunteers Supported through our comprehensive programs
Trusted by Professional Networks
SHAX works with a comprehensive network of agencies and organizations across the region
Agencies That Refer to SHAX
Housing & Social Services
- • Wheatley Homes South
- • Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership
- • Adult Care Social Work, Loreburn Housing
- • Children and Families Social Work
- • Leaving Care - Dumfries and Galloway Council
- • Irvine Housing & Women's Aid
- • Hanover Housing Association
Health & Specialist Support
- • NHS Occupational Therapy
- • Support in Mind Scotland
- • Turning Point Scotland
- • ILS (Independent Living Support)
- • NHS Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service
- • Public Health Improvement Team - NHS
- • Adult Services - Social Work Annan
Community Organizations
- • Social Services - Dumfries and Galloway Council
- • Citizens Advice Bureau
- • Kate's Kitchen - Annan
- • Dumfries and Galloway Befriending Project
- • Bethany Christian Trust
- • Cunningham Housing Association
- • APEX & ADS (Addiction Rehabilitation)
...and many more agencies working together to support vulnerable individuals and families
Complete SHAX Services
Emergency Home Starter Packs are just one part of our comprehensive support network
Emergency Home Starter Packs
Essential kitchenware, bedding, and personal hygiene products to help individuals move into new tenancies with dignity
Home Comfort Vouchers
SHAX works with local agencies to provide furniture through Home Comforts Scheme, making homes truly liveable
Community Support
Collaboration with local support agencies to address the needs of those impacted by homelessness and poverty
Furniture & Household Goods
Quality second-hand furniture and household goods at affordable prices, helping those in need furnish their homes
P.A.T Testing Service
Professional testing of all electrical goods to ensure safety and full functionality for customers
Training & Development
Work skills and training programs for people from disadvantaged backgrounds to fulfill their potential
Volunteering & Work Placements
Opportunities for local people to volunteer and gain work experience, fostering community and purpose
Free Collection & Low Cost Delivery
Free donation collections and affordable delivery services to make our support accessible to everyone
Upskilling Days
Open days for the public to learn and develop a variety of skills and gain valuable experiences
Free School Uniform
Quality used school uniforms available free from our warehouse, supporting families in need
Cleaned & Sanitized Mattresses
Providing like new mattresses that have been professionally cleaned and sanitized at a fraction of the cost of new ones
Community Outreach
Visiting schools and community groups to raise awareness and inspire positive change through education and partnerships.
"When I received my emergency pack, it wasn't just the items inside that mattered - it was knowing that someone cared enough to think about what I really needed. That toothbrush meant I could smile again. The duvet meant I could go to sleep warm. It gave me hope when I had none left."
How You Can Help
Every contribution makes a real difference to someone's life
Contact SHAX
Email: info@shax.org.uk
Phone: 01387 245358
Corporate Partnerships: Welcome - let's work together to make a difference
