THE vital work done by a charity in London – caring for homeless Scots in the UK capital – is making a case to the Scottish Government to continue its funding towards it.
A letter from the chief executive of Borderline is being sent to Nicola Sturgeon, appealing to the First Minister that the Scottish Government reconsider a decision to decline an application for grant funding.
The decision explained – in a letter received on Monday – that “it would be difficult for the Scottish Government to provide funding for an organisation not based in Scotland”.
Says Borderline chief executive, Shona Fleming: “According to recent research, Scots account for 12 per cent homeless people in London, much higher than the average. Borderline is the only charity specifically supporting homeless Scots in the UK capital.
“Our work has involved much-valued support from the Scottish Government such that its funding represents 30 per cent of our budget. It has allowed us, for instance, to employ, for the first time in our history, an outreach worker.
“The Scottish Government has been a huge supporter of our work and I hope it can find the resources available to continue that partnership, not least because we receive no funding from the UK Government.”
Last year, Borderline provided accommodation to 33 clients and helped 22 more return to Scotland. The grant application was to the Direct Voluntary Grant Scheme, for £57, 578.
Although small, the charity makes the most of its funding by teaming up with larger organisations – such as the Connection at St Martin’s and St Mungo’s Broadway – to provide a multitude of services to its clients.
It also funds 12 beds at the YMCA to help recently homeless Scots make the transition into secure accommodation, and helps resettle former homeless clients in Scotland.
Glenn, a former client of Borderline and now one of the charity’s volunteers, says of Borderline’s support: “Recently, I have moved into a housing association and it’s thanks to Borderline that I can finally see myself with what I hope will be an optimistic future.”
ENDS
Contact: Shona Fleming, CEO Borderline: 07720718401 Etienne Duval, communications manager Borderline: 07785 346 356.
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Borderline contact details…
Contact: Shona Fleming
Phone: 07720718401
Email: shona.fleming@borderline-uk.org
Website: http://www.borderline-uk.org
