Link Group has now delivered more than 150 Home Starter Packs to people moving from homelessness into new tenancies, providing essential items that help individuals and families feel settled and supported from day one.
Launched as a pilot in July 2024, the initiative set out to reduce tenancy failure and improve the wellbeing of new tenants by offering practical essentials such as cooking equipment, bedding, crockery, cutlery, and cleaning materials. The original 50-pack pilot quickly proved its value, and the programme expanded in response to strong demand and overwhelmingly positive feedback from Link colleagues and tenants.
Sarah Smith, Executive Director of Communities, said: “Every new tenancy begins with hope, but it can also come with real pressure when someone has very little to start with.
"These starter packs offer dignity, comfort, and breathing space at a crucial moment. I’m proud of how our teams have embraced this initiative, and of the difference it’s already making for our customers.”
Each pack is tailored to household size and includes a choice of either a microwave or air fryer, allowing people to cook safely and affordably in their new homes.
Packs are ordered via a simple online form and shipped directly to tenants using Amazon’s fast delivery service, often arriving within 24 hours. This approach minimises workload for Housing Officers while ensuring support reaches tenants at the moment they need it most.
Link’s Housing Officers have praised the initiative for strengthening their relationships with tenants and providing an additional tool to support tenancy attainment.
The programme has maintained an average cost of around £150 per pack, with prices varying according to household size and cooking equipment selected.
Link Group continues to build on the initiative as part of its wider commitment to sustaining tenancies and improving the lives of people across its communities.
