Shelter’s warning as charity campaigns in Paisley

Campaigners from a major housing charity were out on the streets of Paisley yesterday just weeks after a rough sleeper died in the town.

As revealed in the Paisley Daily Express, Ian Kirkland, who was 40, was discovered by members of the public near St Mirin’s Cathedral.

He was found on the corner of Gauze Street and Incle Street.

And yesterday Shelter Scotland campaigners were in Paisley High Street to raise awareness of the charity and its work as part of a 12- month series of events and activities to mark its 50th anniversary. Lisa Glass, senior campaigns and policy officer with Shelter Scotland, said: “We are marking out 50th year at Shelter Scotland and trying to build up support from the public.

“In this day and age, we shouldn’t be in a housing crisis. We shouldn’t still be needed.

“In fact, last year more people than ever came to Shelter Scotland for support, so there is so much more that we need to do.”

And Lisa emphasised that there was very much a housing crisis in Paisley.

“Last year, more than 800 homeless applications were made in Paisley,” she said.

“We’ve got lost of families in temporary accommodation.

“There is just more that needs to be done around prevention, around making sure the people in the private rented sector get the support they need.”

And people who are rough sleeping like Ian Kirkland can get help from Shelter Scotland to advise them on their housing rights, Lisa Glass added.

“We are always there for anyone who’s in need, who are forced into rough sleeping, who really, really need support,” she said.

Any rough sleeper who has access to a phone can call the Shelter Scotland helpline number.

And members of the public can help too.

“If any member of the public who wanted to support, then they could call us, or even if it’s a friendly hello or a cup of tea and some support to make sure they’re safe,” Lisa Glass said.

“We have a ser vice in Renfrewshire, although it mainly supports families, but there is support out there for people and there are other organisations as well.

“I think they key thing is to make sure people have knowledge of their housing rights.

“And so, as well as out national helpline we have a bit on our website that says ‘ I need help’ and people can click on it and it will direct them to all of the local support, which will help them right there, right then.”

Visit https:// scotland. shelter. org.uk to find out more.

The national helpline number is 0808 800 4444.

Last year, more than 800 homeless applications were made in Paisley