Right There, a charity dedicated to preventing homelessness, is pledging to Light the Way Home this year for the thousands of people it supports, and those it will support in the future. The Light the Way Home campaign is visiting Edinburgh this week where staff and volunteers are spreading festive cheer in the Gyle Shopping Centre.
The campaign was launched earlier this month by Scottish children’s writer Angela Proctor, who joined children for a Christmas party at the charity’s Glasgow headquarters to kick off the festive campaign.
Angela Proctor has recently spoken out about her distress over the number of children and young people faced with or experiencing homelessness in Scotland.
Angela Proctor said: “As an author, I have visited hundreds of schools across Scotland, and I can see how austerity is affecting children.
“The worst affected are our most vulnerable children, those without a permanent home having to deal with the uncertainty, worry and anxiety that constantly moving ‘home’ causes.
“I have seen first-hand the impact this has on children who are trapped in the housing crisis cycle, moving from one temporary abode to another. It impacts on their development and mental health, potentially reducing their future prospects which is why we need to put an end to homelessness in all its forms.”
Figures for the last year show that 3,261 households are considered homeless or at threat of homelessness in Edinburgh, this is the second highest in Scotland, behind Glasgow.
Right There Chief Executive, Janet Haugh said: “For many, the essence of Christmas is found at home, where families and friends gather to celebrate, share meals, exchange gifts, and create cherished memories.
“In Edinburgh there are thousands of individuals for whom this joy is unattainable. Many lack a place to call home, or if they do, it is fraught with challenges such as family breakdowns, financial hardships, substance use, or mental health issues.
“What millions take for granted is a distant dream for tens of thousands, and this Christmas, countless adults, young people, and children will face the day with a heavy heart.”
The Light the Way Home campaign represents something different for each person affected by homelessness, for some it will be physical bricks and mortar, and others it will be a sense of stability and peace in their current environment.
Janet Haugh added: “By raising awareness of Right There’s programmes in Edinburgh, we hope to provide a sense of security and stability not only for those we support now, but for many more in the future, while at the same time spreading some joyful Christmas spirit ahead of the festive season.”
The campaign will be on the road throughout November and December to spread festive cheer and awareness of Right There’s work.