Push to end homelessness ‘must continue’
industry support.
The spokeswoman added: “Some Dominatrices have formed research groups to discuss and share best practice but it is trial and error for all groups left behind.
“The SEISS grant also does not cover the entire period these workers have been out of work and the last grant coming in August at only 70% means more uncertainty to follow.
“The adult industry deserves the same consideration afforded to every other industry sector with grown-up discussions to be had.
“We need less pearl clutching and a clear route map back into work with adequate safety advice and a financial safety net that works for the adult industry and all other self-employed workers.”
It is understood that some clubs have reopened in other Scottish cities – but Glasgow’s lap dancing clubs remain closed with uncertainly is calling for additional Andrew Cox, owner of Seventh Heaven, said: “Lap dancing clubs meet all the social distancing requirements given that they are table service only, music volume is always low to allow conversations and the dancers are always distant from customers.
“We do not attract large volumes of customers, typically no more than around 50 customers in at the same time.
“As well as the impact on the performers, there is the probability of job losses for the staff, most of whom are in the 18 to 24 age category identified by the government as at risk of long-term unemployment.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “As with the position on nightclubs and music venues, the Scottish Government would not expect sexual entertainment venues to be open at the present time.” over when they might reopen.
HOMELESSNESS charity Simon Community Scotland has supported 2500 people during the four months of lockdown.
The group said it also virtually eradicated rough sleeping for the first 14 days of lockdown in both Glasgow and Edinburgh – for the first time in decades.
Despite lockdown, the charity has supported individuals ranging from 16 to 84, provided 156,000 meals, and helped keep 2500 people safe.
Announcing this achievement during New Homes Week, Lorraine McGrath, chief executive of Simon Community Scotland, said: “While Covid-19 has been devastating in so many ways, lockdown has given us an opportunity to provide solutions for people facing homelessness to find safety, stability and recovery, often for the first time in years.
“Many people have been more able to accept our support, and importantly, been able to find new ways to thrive once they have.
“We have always believed it is possible to end homelessness.
“An important silver lining of lockdown is that we now know what works to achieve this.”
Simon Community Scotland is the largest provider of homeless services in Scotland and the charity’s vision is for everyone to have a safe place to live with access to the help they need.
This has been achieved together with the Scottish Government, local authorities, corporate donors and individual donors through its first ever crowdfunding campaign, #GiveHope, which has raised more than £135,000 during lockdown.
Many people supported by Simon Community Scotland have experienced trauma from a young age, affecting their ability to recover and rebuild their lives.
As well as providing a place of safety, it was vital to provide the support needed to achieve this, so the immediate access to the wide range of support delivered by partners at the hotels being used across Edinburgh and Glasgow has been key in creating longterm lasting change.
Simon Community Scotland is launching social media campaign #LockdownLegends today.
The campaign will include a series of social media posts about the amazing contribution made by staff and volunteers at the charity to help keep people safe during lockdown and support them in making long-term positive change.
Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “It is in large part due to the commitment and hard work of partners like Simon Community that we have been able to support people who may otherwise have been sleeping rough into safe accommodation.
“Despite the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has provided a unique opportunity to lock in a positive change and realise our ambition of ending homelessness and rough sleeping in Scotland for good.
“The challenge ahead is to make sure that nobody ends up back on the street and the Scottish Government will work with all partners to ensure we support people into settled homes.”
Lorraine added: “While fewer people are currently sleeping on streets, the risks are still there.
“These are likely to increase as we see the financial impact of this pandemic hit.
“We are already seeing more people seeking support, with more people than ever in temporary accommodation.
“To avoid huge swathes of people returning to rough sleeping and to ensure the positive changes created with the individuals we have supported during lockdown, it is vital that these priorities remain in focus.”