Support Multibank Edinburgh to distribute essential household items to thousands of families in need across Edinburgh

20% of children in Edinburgh live in poverty. This autumn and winter are going to be a real struggle as the cost of living crisis continues to bite. We want to bring more palettes of kitchen equipment, household items, toiletries, bedding and clothing into Edinburgh and distribute these goods via teachers, social workers, Community Cafes and charities to families in need.

Each year millions of unwanted items that are returned to online retailers end up in landfill. A Multibank is an innovative solution to both address deprivation and divert goods from landfill. The idea began in Fife, with the direct involvement of the Right Honourable Gordon Brown. In its first year 1 million items were distributed to 65,000 families, helping to reduce hardship, debt and anxiety, and increase confidence, self-esteem and health. Multibanks are being started across the UK, including here in Edinburgh.

Social Value Lab Impact Data from Fife

·        £5.96 social return on investment for every £1 invested

·        92% of families reduced stress/anxiety

·        90% increased financial autonomy

·        87% increased confidence/self-esteem

·        70% improved physical health

·        55% avoided crisis situations

·        11% prevented their child going into care

·        68% improved attainment at school

Securing funding and resource for this project is absolutely vital, as we continue to further develop and build both our relationships with partners and also our referral systems to grow our reach and impact. This will enable us to identify and support more of the families across our city who find themselves in hardship.

Please donate to support this project and to allow us to continue supporting our city’s people in their times of need.