Working to end homelessness

In March 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated already existing inequalities and exclusions from care, particularly amongst those in our society experiencing homelessness.

The University is committed to investing resources into supporting people in Edinburgh who are experiencing homelessness, as well as finding solutions to the reasons some find themselves homeless, including the issue of housing – a priority acknowledged by the Edinburgh Poverty Commission in their 2018 ‘A Just Capital’ Report. 

The University committed to making change in this area by including this as part of our Social Impact Pledge to the city in 2018 and 2019. We reaffirmed this commitment in November 2020 when tackling homelessness was written into the University’s Community Plan 2020-2025. One year into delivering on the plan, we wanted to share the progress we’ve made in this important area.  

A huge element of the University's work to tackle homelessness is undertaken by The Centre for Homelessness and Inclusion Health (CHIH). CHIH is a collaboration between the University of Edinburgh and local partners in Scotland to improve the health and wellbeing of people who experience homelessness, and has been pivotal in the contributions the University has made to tackle homelessness over the past year.  

Street Support App 

In January 2021 a website and app developed with involvement from the University and other local partners – called Street Support Edinburgh – has been created and launched to provide advice, support and resources for homeless and vulnerable people, the Edinburgh community and emergency services personnel. 

Those involved in the App hope it will help reduce the number of people sleeping rough on the city’s streets. The website and app – called Street Support Edinburgh – provides advice, support and resources for homeless and vulnerable people, the Edinburgh community and emergency services personnel. You can use the app to get  help, or to give help; individuals can find out what items, skills and donations are needed near hem and offer their support.  

If you are in a position to register with the app to provide support (donations, items, skills) for those in Edinburgh experiencing homelessness, please do so using the link below.

Read more about the Street Support App. 

 

Research into the effects of Covid-19 on those experiencing homelessness 

Throughout 2021, a research project took place involving multiple academics to better understand local experiences of, and responses to, the initial Covid-19 response and ongoing prevention strategies for those experiencing homelessness. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh partnered with Cyrenians Scotland and used stories of people who experience homelessness as well as homeless sector workers, to think about prevention, treatment and caring for homeless people in Edinburgh. 

To highlight this important work, the team are building an online exhibition and also will be hosted a community exhibition at the end of 2021. 

Read the research here. 

 

£1 million contribution to Social and Sustainable Housing fund 

The University of Edinburgh has partly funded a £5m investment into Simon Community Scotland, an award-winning charity that helps people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Central Scotland.  

Using the investment from Social and Sustainable Capital, which was partly funded by a £1 million commitment from the University, the charity will expand its services and buy properties that will become permanent homes for up to 30 tenants, helping them transition from homelessness towards employment and a new life.   

The University is championing the SASH fund to support organisations in Edinburgh as part of our Community Plan, and in keeping with our track record of responsible investment locally to benefit society.  

Our hope is to be recognised as the leading UK university for social enterprise and investments by the academic year 2023-24 and to date, we have allocated £8m to invest in socially positive activities.  

Read the full story about the Simon Community Funding. 

 

All4Paws supports homeless people and their pets 

Under the guidance of qualified vets, throughout the pandemic vet students from the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies offered free treatment and advice for pets belonging to homeless people in Edinburgh. People without a permanent home were able to access basic treatments for their pets free-of-charge. 

The All4Paws clinic offered free vaccines, flea, tick and worm medications, as well as supplies such as winter coats, collars, leashes, toys, beds and food. Owners were also encouraged to sign up for The Dogs Trust Hope Scheme, which provides microchips and free spaying and neutering. 

Read about All4Paws here.  

 

Training for ‘Invisible Cities’ Tour Guides 

A researcher at the University, Janet Philp, researches local history, specifically the truth behind the Burke and Hare story.

Janet provided tours and information to local tour companies to make sure the correct history was being told. Recently, Janet has provided this service to tour guides working for Invisible Cities, where all of the tour guides have experienced/are experiencing homelessness. In 2019, Invisible Cities was one of 12 social ventures that received funding from Big Issue Invest, of which the University is a proud funding partner. 

Read about Invisible Cities here.  

 

Cooking without a Cooker recipe book 

'Cooking without a Cooker' is a recipe book for people experiencing homelessness who may not have easy access to an oven. It was developed by undergraduate medical students as part of their placement with the Edinburgh Access Practice - a GP practice for people without a fixed address. So far over printed 100 copies of the recipe have been distributed to local food banks, homelessness support services, GP practice link workers and individuals in the local area. It is also available online, and at the time of writing has been nominated for an award by Simple Life magazine. 

 Recipe book for people experiencing homelessness

 

How this contributes to our Community Plan

Commitment 1: Sustain and grow activities related to our social impact pledges including: tackling homelessness and rough sleeping; promoting digital inclusion; supporting vulnerable groups and areas of multiple deprivation.

Commitment 2: Develop training and support for student social enterprises, and invest up to £8 million by 2023 in social investments that help tackle social and environmental challenges, as part of our Social Enterprise and Social Investment Strategy.