A GROUP of homeless children from Glasgow took part in an event which offers them the chance to decorate items for their dream home.
The annual summer event allows children aged six to 13 years who are homeless and living in temporary accommodation to express themselves through arts and crafts, as well as offering them the opportunity to share their stories with other children going through the same experiences.
Co-ordinated by Shelter Scotland’s Glasgow Families Project, the event is spent decorating items such as clocks, lampshades and photo frames which the children take away with them, in the hope of soon having a permanent bedroom of their own to display them in.
Jane O’Neil, service manager of Shelter Scotland’s Glasgow Families Project, said:
“Homelessness can have a devastating effect on children’s lives. It can affect their education, sense of security and can often lead to other damaging experiences.
“Days like this go some way to alleviate the sadness, anxiety and distress experienced by young people dealing with homelessness. It offers them the chance to have fun, be creative and look to the future when hopefully they’ll be given the opportunity to decorate their own bedroom in a permanent home they can call their own.”
The day is assisted by Shelter Scotland support workers and volunteers, without whom, Jane O’Neil says, the day would not be possible.
“Our dedicated support workers and volunteers work very hard all year round to ensure that children across Glasgow and the rest of Scotland are given every opportunity to thrive. Each case of homelessness is a human tragedy – not least when children are involved.”
Patricia Dawson, mum of nine year-old triplets – Brogan and girls, Mackenzie and Douglis – says that events like this offer her children the support they need.
She said: “Days like this are a fantastic for the triplets, especially during the summer holidays. The girls get the chance to express their creative sides and Brogan gets a chance to hang out with boys his own age.
“It can be hard with three children, especially at this age. With everything else that is going on, it’s really important for them to just be kids and forget about their worries for a while.
They get the chance to interact with other children who are experiencing homelessness and not have to worry about saying the wrong thing or being judged. They can just be themselves.”
Says a spokesperson: “Sixty children are made homeless each day in Scotland – 22,000 in total last year. Each day, 28 children under the age of five are made homeless.
“There are currently 8,077 homeless households in Glasgow, with 2,212 households living in temporary accommodation.”
Ends/
Notes to Editors:
- Shelter Scotland, the housing and homelessness charity. Shelter Scotland believes that everyone should have a home. We help people find and keep a home. We campaign for decent housing for all.
- Spokespeople are available for interview, telephone the media office on 0844 515 2442.
- For more information about Shelter Scotland visit www.shelter.org.uk
- Follow Shelter Scotland on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/shelterinscotland Twitter – http://twitter.com/shelterscotland
MEDIA RELEASE posted by Shelter Scotland. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Sabina Kadic-Mackenzie
Phone: 08445152442
Website: http://www.shelter.org.uk
