Inverness charity New Start Highland celebrates record year amid cost of living crisis

A Highland organisation which tackles poverty, homelessness and long-term unemployment has had one of its hardest – but most successful – years.

New Start Highland says more people than ever need its services amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.

During the past 12 months, it has served people in the Highland community over 120,000 times.

Retail turnover at its four retail outlets in Inverness, Dingwall and Thurso has increased by 20 per cent and the company has made significant staff investments including hiring a marketing and communications director.

• Highland charity hopes new training cafe will help fill the gap

• 'Tomato City', dandelion coffee and nettle tea

• Energy price rises will plunge more people into fuel poverty, warns charity boss

James Dunbar, the charity’s chief executive, said: "Against a backdrop of the ever-present cost of living crisis, this year has been one of our hardest to date, with more people than ever in need of our services.

"Through the hard work of our team and volunteers, we’ve been able to serve those who need us most with employability training, housing support, furniture packs and new bikes to name just a handful of what we deliver.

"We’ve seen a marked increase in footfall across our retail units as well."

He welcomed Marion Cordiner to the leadership team to lead marketing activity and tell the organisation's story.

"I’m excited to put our ambitious growth plans into action over the coming months which will enable us to assist more people as they transition from challenging places in their lives to somewhere they can realise their potential," Mr Dunbar said.

Profits from the charity's enterprise activities are reinvested back into the organisation, to help fund its charitable services.

Throughout this year, the company has facilitated 238 training courses, delivered 922 furniture packs, serviced over 1000 bikes and upcycled almost 2000 pieces of furniture.

It has also managed the re-use of over 60,000 household items across the Highlands and beyond.

Over 2000 furniture collections have been made and over 45,000 meals have been delivered.

The constantly-evolving organisation, which was established in 2000 by Mr Dunbar, now employs almost 80 staff across its charity and commercial arms.

Through housing support, training programs, furniture reuse services, bike refurbishment and the New Start Gardens, it offers opportunities for people to experience personal transformation.

It is also on the lookout for new volunteers with roles available in various activities including mentoring, furniture upholstery, bike refurbishment, retail and admininstration.

For more information, contact volunteering@newstarthighland.org.

New Start Highland operates Unique Ness the home interiors business in the Eastgate Shopping Centre.

It also runs professional, commercial services including order fulfilment, house clearance, removals and storage which operate across the Highlands.

Visit New Start Highland to find out how to donate furniture or get involved.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.