Currently, the bulk of SCAH's work consists of the assembling and distribution of 'starter packs' in liaison with our partners, including Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC), Solihull Community Housing (SCH), Age UK, Solihull Integrated Addiction Services (SIAS), Green Square Accord, Birmingham & Solihull Women's Aid, Probation Service, St. Basil's, Refugee Action, Sir Josiah Mason Trust etc. 

A 'starter pack', generally consists of new, value-for-money, non-food, household items such as bedding, crockery, cutlery, kitchen and cleaning items etc. The 'starter pack' helps those people of limited resources, those leaving homelessness, those leaving prison etc. to set up home in a new tenancy. A starter pack pro-forma is shown below, as is a photo of a typical starter pack. The shopper, in conjunction with the partner organisation (which works directly with the client(s)) tailors the starter pack to the specific requirements of the client

Starter Pack Template March 2024.pdf

The photos below (from left to right) show: a full starter pack, then starter packs tailored to specific clients; a mother and baby; a mother and children and for a client of St. Basil's

Sometimes, SCAH receives 'extraordinary' requests which might relate to the general relief of poverty. In these circumstances SCAH has an email form which may be found on the 'Request for support form' tab above.


Some responses from recipients of our support:

'Your generosity goes beyond the donations I was expecting. It has taken unbelievable pressure off me. It will make such a difference to me and my children - enabling us to 'move on' quicker'.

'Thank you very much for the food parcel which is very much appreciated and very much needed'.

'We have been able to make a fresh start and build our home again. Things are starting to look up for us now'.

Solihull Supported Lodging Scheme - Home2Home;

This scheme is seeking people willing to provide short term accommodation in their own home for vulnerable , young people.
We are looking for caring people who have the skills and a strong commitment to be able to provide accommodation and support to a young person aged 16/17 (but may be up to 21). Accommodation can be from on night up to twelve weeks. If you live in the Solihull area, have a spare room and feel you have the necessary skills and commitment we would like to hear from you. You will receive a fee of no less than £150 a week plus training and support. For an application pack ring St. Basil's on 0121 772 2483 or email admin.home2home@stbasils.org.uk. For informal enquiries and to find out more about this scheme, ring Yvette John on 0121 772 2483. 

(This scheme is working in partnership with SMBC and SCH).