That the Parliament celebrates Fresh Start, in Edinburgh, for its work in helping those previously homeless resettle in their new homes; believes that whilst a new home is of vital importance to the homeless, it can also present new challenges, including decoration, learning to shop, cooking for oneself and the acquisition of essential household items and white goods; understands that Fresh Start, which is made up of 22 permanent staff and 160 volunteers, helps previously homeless people manage all of these challenges, and offers advice, information and one-to-one support regarding key financial and housing issues; commends Fresh Start for also providing opportunities for its service users to volunteer and develop volunteer-led services; welcomes the recent time-limited extension of the Investing in Communities Fund; believes that Fresh Start and other organisations will have to reduce their support for those who need it the most if funding is not put on a more sustainable footing in years to come; records its significant gratitude to the staff and volunteers of Fresh Start, including Fay Wilson who has volunteered at Fresh Start for over 20 years, and wishes them the very best in their future endeavours.
Supported by:
Miles Briggs, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Kidd, Paul Sweeney