The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Pioneering project to stop young people ‘slipping through cracks’
A pioneering project to help young homeless people build their own futures has been launched in Perth.
The service, led by youth homelessness charity Rock Trust, is the first of its kind in Scotland.
Future Builders offers vulnerable young people a tailored package of education and employment, as well as access to affordable tenancies.
Ten people will take part in a 12 to 16-week programme, learning to live independently and building up skills.
They can learn everything from maths and reading to first aid training, developing their CV and interview techniques.
The first seven people have already started – three of them grew up in care and one is an asylum seeker who came to Scotland two years ago.
Some have started decorating three flats provided by Perth and Kinross Council, into which service users will eventually move.
The Future Builders project, which has already proven successful in England, is funded by OVO Energy’s charity arm the OVO Foundation.
Kate Polson, chief executive of the Rock Trust, said: “Young people need to have access to good quality affordable accommodation, especially when they take their first steps into employment.
“This project enables young people to take those first steps and have a safe place to call home whilst they do so. We are delighted to be able to offer this kind of support to the young people of Perth.”
The council’s housing and communities convener Bob Brawn added: “The scheme will provide vital support to young people as they start out in life.
“It will help them build their skills and confidence, and set them up for a successful tenancy and a successful life.”
He said: “We are determined that young people who need this kind of assistance do not end up slipping through the cracks.
“The current pandemic makes this scheme even more timely, and I am delighted that we have been able to support it.”
The local authority has been widely praised for its work to tackle homelessness. Its Home First approach was applauded by the Scottish Government and leading charities for reducing the number of people living on the streets, and slashing the lengths of waits for permanent housing.