Introducing our new charity partner – Fresh Start

Photographed: Fiona Hughes, Marketing Executive and Jen McQuistan, Corporate Relationship Officer at Fresh Start

We are delighted to share that our new corporate charity partner is Fresh Start, an organisation dedicated to helping people who are moving on from homelessness create a stable, comfortable home and a stronger future. This partnership marks an exciting moment for us as we continue to focus on meaningful, community centred impact.

We chose to partner with Fresh Start because its practical, person-first approach reflects how we work as a business. Our values are bringing people together, strengthening connections and creating better outcomes through collaboration – and Fresh Start embodies that same principle at a community level. Their work goes beyond short-term support, focusing instead on dignity, independence and long-lasting change at a crucial point in people’s lives. By helping individuals turn an empty property into a home, Fresh Start creates foundations for stability, confidence and opportunity.

Founded over 25 years ago, Fresh Start’s work is rooted in compassion and respect. From providing essential household items and white goods to offering cooking classes, decorating assistance and community food services, their team supports individuals and families as they rebuild not just their homes, but their sense of belonging and self-belief.

What particularly stood out to us was Fresh Start’s holistic and hands-on model. Their support recognises the challenges people face when transitioning out of homelessness and ensures no one has to take those steps alone. Their impact is tangible, measurable and deeply human - something we believe is vital in a charity partnership.

Building a partnership with a purpose

We will be launching our partnership with a fundraising activity - details coming very soon - alongside hands-on volunteering opportunities across Fresh Start’s warehouse and community shop. From assembling essential household Starter Packs to supporting community-facing services, there will be a wide range of ways for our team to get involved, connect with the cause and see the impact of their efforts first-hand.

This partnership offers an opportunity not only to raise funds, but to actively contribute time, skills and energy to a charity making a real difference in our communities.

A message from Billy Burnside, Managing Director

We are proud to support a charity that makes such a tangible difference to people’s lives at a time when they need it most. Our team has always shown incredible commitment to our charity partnerships, and I know this new chapter with Fresh Start will inspire even more meaningful engagement, connection, and impact.

A message from Jen McQuistan, Corporate Relationship Officer at Fresh Start

We’re absolutely delighted to be partnering with Criterion. Fresh Start support thousands of individuals and families across Edinburgh move on from homelessness every year and we couldn’t do it without the support of companies like Criterion. We’re incredibly grateful for their support and commitment and really excited about what we can achieve together going forward.