A housing service for to help homeless families in Edinburgh has launched today, backed by almost £400,000 of Lottery cash.
The Building Families service, jointly created by Shelter Scotland and Children 1st will support families to cope with the stress of homelessness and support them into new tenancies.
It will focus on families with children aged under 11 and deliver personalised support to help family relationships and support tenancies.
The charities say homelessness is proven to have a drastic impact on children's development and their future opportunities.
Maureen McGinn, ��Chair of the Scotland Committee of the Big Lottery Fund, which has given the partnership £405,576, said: "Many families will, at some point in their lives, need that bit of extra support to help them through difficult periods. The effects of low income and the effects of homelessness, for example, are two of the issues which Building Families will help tackle. Its goal of helping people live more positive lives will benefit families now and in the future."
Launching Building Families, Councillor Ricky Henderson, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Housing Committee at the City of Edinburgh Council, said:
"It is an innovative service, bringing Big Lottery money to Edinburgh at a time when local government resources are constrained. The service will provide invaluable support to some of the most vulnerable families in the city.
"We've seen a reduction in homelessness of almost a fifth in Edinburgh across the last five years but there is still a lot to do and the launch of this new project is definitely welcome."
Alison Watson, Deputy Director of Shelter Scotland, said:"We will deliver a vital service to help families in Edinburgh with young children who face complex support needs and housing difficulties.
"Educational and social development are key to a child's long-term health and wellbeing, so by supporting children to make the most of their family life, schooling and leisure time, Building Families will make a real difference to the life chances of all those it works with."
Anna O'Reilly, CHILDREN 1ST Assistant Director, Children and Family Services East, said: "The CHILDREN 1ST Family Support team works with families in their own homes; to increase the confidence, skills, knowledge and social networks of parents and carers so that they can better meet the individual needs of their children. We are delighted that through this partnership we will be able to reach and support more children and families."
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