Powering business, strengthening communities
First Essential is proud to partner with Link to Hope, a Sussex charity bringing real, practical help to families, children and elderly people across Eastern Europe. When your business joins us, you help support their work, at no extra cost to you.
A Sussex charity, on our doorstep, changing lives across Eastern Europe
Link to Hope is a UK Christian charity based in Ferring, West Sussex, just along the coast from our own First Essential team in Worthing. Their mission is to combat poverty and bring humanitarian aid to some of the most disadvantaged people in Eastern Europe, across Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine.
Their work focuses on two things that change lives for good: education for marginalised children, so the next generation has a way out of poverty, and social care for vulnerable families and the elderly, so nobody is left to face hardship alone. It is local people, doing far-reaching good, and we are proud to stand behind them.
A simple box of gifts that means the world
Every year since 1991, supporters pack shoeboxes with practical gifts and everyday essentials. Link to Hope then delivers them, by hand, to families, children and elderly people living in poverty across Eastern Europe. For many, it is the only gift they will receive, and a sign that someone, somewhere, cares.
Help that lasts well beyond a single gift
Beyond the boxes, Link to Hope works year-round to give marginalised children an education and a future, and to wrap social care around vulnerable families and the elderly. A hot meal, a warmer home, a place at school: small things to us, life-changing for the people who receive them.
A second life for furniture, and a lifeline for families
Link to Hope runs five furniture and charity shops around Worthing, in Goring, Littlehampton, Chapel Road, Rustington and Ferring. They sell donated furniture, clothing, books, toys and household items, raising funds for the charity and giving good things a second life instead of sending them to landfill. Pop in, donate, or pick something up: every purchase helps.
First Essential is proud to support Link to Hope
Two Sussex names, one shared belief: that everyday business can do good beyond the bottom line. When your business runs on First Essential, a little of that everyday activity goes towards Link to Hope's work, turning the systems you use into support for families who need it most.
Powering business, strengthening communities. The same technology that helps you take payments, sell more and run smarter can help support a good cause at the same time.
Three simple steps to power your business and give back
The process is straightforward. You sign up, you activate the First Essential products that suit you, and your business helps support Link to Hope through our contribution, at no extra cost to you.
Register your business
Get in touch and register with First Essential. Tell us about your business and we will help you choose the right setup, with UK support on hand throughout.
Activate a First Essential product
Start using at least one of our products, from card payments and EPOS to AI or web development. Each one works on its own and even better together.
We give back to Link to Hope
For each business that registers and activates a First Essential product, we contribute up to £200 to Link to Hope. The support comes from us, at no extra cost to you.
Everything your business needs from one UK team
Joining the partnership is not just about giving back. You get the full First Essential toolkit, the everyday systems a business runs on, all from one team that actually answers the phone. Take payments, sell more, run smarter, and help a good cause while you do it.
Pick the products that fit your business
Start with one solution and add more as you grow. Whatever you choose, joining First Essential is what activates the support for Link to Hope.
Card payments and EPOS
Card machines, card readers and EPOS tills with next-day settlement. A free card machine when you take it with EPOS.
Card paymentsAI and chatbots
AI customer support that answers calls and messages, handles routine enquiries and captures leads around the clock.
AI solutionsWeb and app development
Websites and apps built to convert, designed and supported in the UK, connected to your payments and tools.
Web and app developmentFirst Essential One
Our all-in-one platform to capture leads, follow up and get paid, with a 14-day free trial.
First Essential OneSelf-service kiosks
Self-order and self-checkout kiosks that cut queues and lift average order value, linked straight to your till.
Self-service kiosksBecome a partner
Want to help spread the word and earn while you do? Join as an affiliate and grow alongside First Essential.
Affiliate registrationSpread the word and grow your impact
If you are already part of the First Essential family, you can help even more businesses join, take payments, sell more and give back through Link to Hope. Manage your referrals and track your activity from your affiliate area.
The First Essential and Link to Hope partnership, your questions answered
What is the First Essential and Link to Hope partnership?
Who is Link to Hope and what do they do?
How much does First Essential give to Link to Hope?
Does taking part cost my business anything extra?
What do I actually get with First Essential?
How do I take part, or help as a partner?
Power your business, strengthen communities
Join First Essential and you get the technology to take payments, sell more and run smarter, while helping support Link to Hope at no extra cost to you. Book a free, no-obligation demo with our UK team to get started.
Join and give back Talk to the team