Crisis situations can arise for anyone at any time. Whatever the reason, we aim to provide good quality household goods that best match the needs of local individuals and families.

On average we deliver to over 40 families in crisis every month.

ELVON is the local council for voluntary service and was established in May 1991. In 1994 a need was identified, in response to requests from the general public. This led to a pilot project being set up for one year with the aims being:

• To assist individual families throughout East Lothian who are in receipt of benefits to access necessary household furniture; and



• To collect good quality second hand furniture to distribute to families in need.

The project was then evaluated in January 1995 with the recommendation being to identify and secure funding to take the Project forward.

We received our first grant from National Lottery Charities Board in June 1996. This enabled us to employ a part time member of staff who was assisted by a group of volunteers.

Through our most recent grants, one from Transforming Waste Scotland the Project now employs a full time Project Development officer, a full time Driver and a part time Electrician, and from Increase Program to purchase a new Ford Luton van.

Although the Project is part of ELVON it is run as a separate Project with its own identity and bank account.

Area of Operation

East Lothian

With a population of more than 90,000 East Lothian is one of the most picturesque areas in Scotland. The county stretches from the eastern edge of Edinburgh to the waters of the North Sea, and is bounded on the south by the Lammermuir Hills and stretches eastwards to the boundary with the Scottish Borders at Cockburnspath.

More than half the population live in the Musselburgh, Prestonpans, Cockenzie, Port Seton and Tranent areas.



Although some parts of East Lothian are reasonably prosperous, most of the area is typified by low population density and low average wages, many of the unemployed and low