Starter Packs

Emergency HomeStarter 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.

SHAX Charity Shop Dumfries | Re‑Use Furniture & Starter Packs

What we provide

More than just items

Essential items — helping rebuild lives, one pack at a time.

Emergency Home Starter Packs include kitchenware, bedding, and personal hygiene products to help individuals move into new tenancies with dignity. These comprehensive packs address immediate needs during vulnerable transitions.

When we first started, a single-person pack cost £150. Today it is £280+ — an increase of more than 87%. Despite rising costs, packs remain completely free to clients, funded entirely by community donations.

Every item is carefully selected to help individuals establish stability in their new homes and rebuild their lives with dignity.

SHAX Emergency Home Starter Pack contents

£280+ value Current cost per pack

Free to clients No cost to recipients

Community funded Donations & support

Inside every pack

What's included

Carefully selected essentials across multiple categories — customised by family size and need.

Kitchen essentials

Microwave
Kettle
Toaster
Dinner plates & side plates
Bowls, mugs & glasses
Cutlery & cooking utensils
Saucepan & frying pan
Kitchen extras (donated items)

Bedding & comfort

Duvet (appropriate size)
Pillows
Duvet & pillow covers
Fitted sheets
Bath, hand & face towels
Blanket (winter)

Cleaning essentials

Multi-purpose cleaner
Bin bags
Dish cloth & sponge
Dust pan & brush
Sink basin
Laundry pods
Washing up liquid & tea towel

Kids packs

Included when families with children are supported

Pens, pencils & pencil case
Ruler & eraser
Water bottle & backpack
Kids toys & 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
Toothbrush & toothpaste

Every pack is customised based on family size and specific needs — ensuring people have everything needed to start fresh.

£280+ Value per pack

Free Cost to recipients

100% Community funded

Rising to demand

SHAX impact

2025–26 continues to be a busy period as we respond to strong demand for our services.

487

Individuals supported

2025–26

132

Children supported

2025–26

232

Tonnes recycled

2025–26

£638k

Community benefits delivered

In 2025–26 we have supported people in crisis, increased volunteer and work placement opportunities, and recycled 232 tonnes of household donations.

224 volunteer and work placements through our programmes in 2025–26.

Referral network

Trusted by professionals

SHAX works with agencies and organisations across the region to reach people who need support.

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 organisations

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.

Beyond starter packs

Complete SHAX services

Starter packs are one part of our wider support network across Dumfries and Galloway.