The Power of Homelessness Prevention Services for Young People
When we think about homelessness, our minds often jump to the image of someone sleeping rough. While this is a devastating reality, the issue runs much deeper, particularly for Scotland’s young people. At Care Support Scotland, we believe that true homelessness prevention is about far more than just finding a new roof. It’s about building a foundation for life, equipping young individuals with the skills, confidence, and support network they need to thrive independently.
This preventative approach is crucial because it addresses the root causes of housing instability before a crisis hits. It’s about building emotional resilience, financial literacy, and a sense of community to ensure a young person can not only secure a home but also maintain it for the
The Troubling State of Homelessness in Scotland
In the period between 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, the number of households in temporary accommodation reached 16,485, a figure that included 10,360 children
The latest data from the Scottish Government paints a stark picture of the housing crisis. While there was a small fall in homelessness applications between 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 (down 1% from the previous year), the broader trend shows an increase, with open applications up by 1% and temporary accomodation applications up by 6% over the past year. So, while there may be some seasonal fluctuation, the underlying issue of housing instability continues to grow.
The most concerning figures are related to temporary accommodation and rough sleeping. In the period between 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, the number of households in temporary accommodation reached 17,240, a figure that included 10,180 children. This highlights the immense pressure on families and the devastating impact of the crisis on the most vulnerable.
The share of applications where a household member had recently experienced rough sleeping has reached its highest level since 2008-2010. The number of households reporting rough sleeping the night before application has increased from 1,932 to 2,465 and in the three months prior from 3,058 to 3,579.
These statistics are not just numbers; they represent lives in crisis and underscore the urgent need for proactive, preventative services to stop homelessness before it starts.
A Comprehensive Homelessness Prevention Service
This is where our Horizons service comes in. Horizons is a tenancy support service for young people aged 16-25 designed to interrupt the cycle of housing instability. Since 2014, we have been working tirelessly to prevent homelessness by giving young people the practical skills and personal confidence they need to live independently.
We work with each individual to create a person-centred support plan, addressing the specific challenges they face. Our tailored approach covers four key areas:
- Health and Wellbeing: We offer guidance and support to improve overall physical and mental health, recognising that these are foundational to managing the stresses of independent living. This includes connecting young people with specialist mental health services and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
- Home Management: This pillar goes beyond basic chores. We teach vital life skills such as budgeting, paying bills, understanding tenancy agreements, and navigating utilities.
- Personal Development: We help young people build self-esteem and confidence by connecting them with educational and vocational opportunities. Our goal is to empower them to reach their full potential and build a fulfilling future.
- Community Integration: Social isolation is a major risk factor for homelessness. We help young people connect with local services, community groups, and activities to build a support network and a sense of belonging, ensuring they feel secure and connected to their surroundings.
The Journey to Independence Starts Here
By signposting and referring young people to specialist support for issues like mental health, we make sure they get the care they need.
Our Horizons service serves as a testament to our knowledge of the homelessness crisis and our commitment to helping young people.
Contact us today to find out more, or visit our recruitment page to find out how you can join the team and help change the lives of people across Edinburgh and the Lothians.