Glasgow Homelessness Service marks major milestone with Ministerial visit
A key Turning Point Scotland service that has helped thousands of people in Glasgow during problems with homelessness and addiction marked its 15th anniversary, with a visit from a Scottish Government Minister.
Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Local Government and Housing, wanted to see for himself the vital work that is being done at Glasgow Homelessness Service.
For many years known as Link Up, Glasgow Homelessness Service, offers support to people who are dealing with a crisis due to addiction (primarily alcohol) and are also homeless or sleeping rough.
Last year, just over 500 people presented at the service.
The Minister met with staff and people using the service during a tour around the three facilities within the Commerce Street premises – a one stop drop in centre, a crisis residential unit and a long stay unit.
Mr Stewart also saw the garden area and was presented with a copy of “Into the Black and Back“, a booklet published in 2015 by Turning Point Scotland, which tells the stories of nine people supported by the service.
Minister for Local Government and Housing Kevin Stewart said:
“Over the last 15 years Turning Point Scotland has helped people in Glasgow overcome their addictions and access housing when they may have previously been sleeping rough.
“We want everyone in Scotland to have access to a safe and warm place to stay and the support and advice provided is absolutely essential to help us achieve this.
“Congratulations to Turning Point Scotland on reaching this milestone and I want to thank the project and its partners for its on-going work helping those who need it most.”
Service Manager Claire Gallagher said:
“We were delighted the Minister could take time out of his busy schedule to visit our service and meet the staff and people we support.
Glasgow Homelessness Service is a unique direct access service in the heart of the city which offers supports to hundreds of homeless people in a time of their life when they most need it.
Our service continues to offer support to persons multiply excluded from other services.
Without this vital service many homeless people would find themselves rough sleeping but having our service here ensures that they are given the support and assistance they require.
Working in Partnership with Glasgow City Council, NHS, the Justice system to name but a few, ensures we provide a service tailored towards the individual and not just their homeless status.”
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For more information please contact Andy Dewar, Marketing & Communications Officer, Turning Point Scotland 0141 427 9425 andydewar@turningpointscotland.com
Notes
Glasgow Homelessness Service is one of many services available in the city operated by Turning Point Scotland to address homelessness and addictions.
Open 365 days a year, the One Stop service aims to provide 24-hour assessment and advice related to homelessness and addiction.
The Crisis Residential Unit provides a secure environment for up to 12 people to withdraw from a chaotic lifestyle. Services include alcohol detoxification, support planning and structured group work. The average stay is between 4-6 weeks.
During an average stay of 6-9 months the Long Stay Unit offers residents support to gain the life skills needed to resettle in the community.
Turning Point Scotland provides support to thousands of adults every year with complex issues such as drug and alcohol misuse, learning disabilities, autism, Huntington’s disease, early onset dementia, Acquired Brain Injury, homelessness, mental health issues and a history within the criminal justice system.
Set up as a registered charity and limited company in 1999, the organisation now operates 36 services from 180 locations across Scotland in 18 local authority areas.