Scottish Churches Housing Action (SCHA) has organised a meeting to establish a starter packs service for homeless people in East Lothian.

Local churches will come together with charities and East Lothian Council on October 24 to explore how best to meet local needs.

SCHA chief executive Alastair Cameron, who is behind the proposal, said: “We did a survey last year of what the churches already do to help homeless people in the county. There was much activity, but also a sense that they could rise to the challenge of doing more.

“One need identified was for people moving out of homelessness to have a ‘starter pack’ of the things we all need in our homes - pots and pans, cutlery and crockery, bedding and the like. Local organisation Recycling First already does this, but there is an opportunity to take it to a bigger scale, and Edinburgh-based Fresh Start are able to help.”

“Tuesday’s meeting will bring the different parties together, and I hope we’ll end up with a new arrangement that meets local needs,” added Alastair.

The meeting will be held in Musselburgh Congregational Church, 6 Links St, Musselburgh EH21 6JL. All are welcome but are asked to email Alastair if you’re planning to come.