Cyrenians will continue to transform the lives of the homeless in Edinburgh and Lothians with the help of £7,500 from Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation to offer conflict resolution workshops to 100 more young people.
A recent study showed 59% of young people in Scotland face homelessness as a result of a relationship breakdown in their family. In 2017, 25% of homeless applications were made by young people in Scotland.
For these people, conflict has had a damaging impact on their lives and to their families. Through Mediation and Support, young people at risk of becoming homeless can acquire conflict resolution skills to change their direction in life for the better – in the past year 98% of the young people that engaged with Cyrenians Mediation and Support Services avoided homelessness, by remaining at home, returning home or moving out in a planned way with support.
Mediation and Support Manager Kerry Watson says: “Cyrenians conflict resolution workshops can fulfil a vital role in reducing the risk of youth homelessness by supporting young people to develop vital conflict resolution skills which they can apply in various areas of their lives.
“Last year 244 young people – aged 14 to 24 – took part in these dynamic group workshops focusing on important life-skills, such as anger management, communication and the value of developing and maintaining positive relationships to maintain a healthy life. By skilling up our young people to better manage conflict in the home and wider community, Cyrenians are giving young people the best chance to remain at home in stable relationships.
“Upon completing the course, 95% of young people reported dramatic improvement in their ability to manage conflict going forward. One young person commented on the workshops and said: ‘I have learned to control my anger in a number of ways. I now listen to other people’s opinions without judging them and biting their heads off!”
“However, despite last year’s success, we receive many more requests for workshops than we can currently deliver – meaning many young people are not able to access this valuable resource. The funding from Aberdeen Standard Investments will enable 100 additional disadvantaged young people to receive this opportunity in the coming year.”
Claire Drummond, head of charitable giving for Aberdeen Standard Investments, said: “Homelessness is a reality for many youths. Cyrenians have taken responsibility for tackling conflict in these young people’s lives, which is one of the leading causes of homelessness amongst the younger generations.
“We are glad to be able to extend the reach of Conflict Resolution workshops and thereby increase early intervention for the benefit of these young people and their communities.”
The Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally. The Foundation seeks partnerships with smaller charities around the world, where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact. It encourages its employees to use their time and skills to support its charitable projects. For more information visit
http://aboutus.aberdeen-asset.
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