As part of a commitment to being ‘connected’ to the local communities that it serves, Eildon staff have identified a range of local good causes that it can support over the coming year by volunteering time to help with their work.

Six Eildon staff spent the afternoon of October 29 helping out at Fresh Start Borders who do fantastic work helping people in the Scottish Borders who have been homeless and are moving into their first permanent tenancy. They provide starter packs of basic household essentials to clients as they move into their new homes, giving families and individuals, who may have no possessions, a start-up until they can afford to equip their homes themselves.

Nile Istephan, chief executive of Eildon Housing Association, said: “Fresh Start Borders is an excellent local organisation that we have had links with for some time. They have supported a number of our tenants over the years and in turn we have supported their work with financial contributions and donations of surplus office furniture.

“When we started the ‘Eildon Makes a Difference’ programme, a number of staff were keen to offer further support to Fresh Start Borders by volunteering their time and showing their appreciation for the work of this charity. I am very proud of the commitment shown by Eildon staff to demonstrate our focus on being connected to our local communities. We have developed an exciting programme of other volunteering opportunities around the Borders that our colleagues will be supporting over the next few months.”

Irene McFadzen, co-ordinator at Fresh Start Borders,added: “Fresh Start Borders is extremely grateful for the continuing support from Eildon Housing Association. Our storage space has recently increased and the cabinets and practical help from Eildon has enabled us to re-organise our stockroom making best use of the new space.

“We especially appreciate the involvement of the staff members who participate in the ‘Eildon Makes a Difference” scheme. We thank you for choosing Fresh Start Borders.”