Tag: temporary accomodation

Muirhouse Library’s on the move!

Library will deliver services across North Edinburgh

Good News Everyone!

As you all may know, the library is closed and due to be demolished/rebuilt as part of a new community hub (more details in the link below).

https://northedinburgharts.co.uk/development/

We have been working away at securing a place for us to operate a library while we are waiting for our shiny new building and we can finally announce that we will be opening a new Library lending service based in the Edinburgh College Granton Campus, where you will be able to get Borrow Books, Hearing Aid Batteries, NEC Card Applications, Food waste bags, internet access and of course, see our smiley faces again!

Dates for opening have yet to be finalised, but more info on that will follow very soon.

We will also be start delivering activities again in various locations throughout the community.

Bookbug sessions will be the first to resume on 7th September at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.

Places will be limited and a booking system will be operating.

Keep an eye out here for more info of other activities.

We are so happy that we will back in the community again after such a long time away and look forward to see you all very soon!

Muirhouse Library team

Consultation launched on time limits on temporary homeless accommodation

The time people facing homelessness spend in unsuitable temporary housing including B&Bs could be limited, following a consultation launched yesterday.

A seven-day restriction in unsuitable temporary accommodation for everyone experiencing homelessness, as currently exists for families with children and pregnant women, is being proposed.

The Scottish Government also wants improvements made to the consistency of temporary accommodation quality across the country.

While most temporary accommodation is generally good, with the majority of homeless households found accommodation in the social rented sector, there are no set standards which cover the range of temporary accommodation available.

The consultation will also consider what legally enforceable standards could look like, developed in partnership with the sector and people with lived experience. These changes would mean that people living in temporary accommodation will experience a higher and more consistent level of accommodation and support while a permanent solution to their housing need is found.

Speaking at the Housing First Scotland annual conference in Edinburgh, Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “Temporary accommodation can offer an important emergency safety net for anyone who finds themselves homeless with nowhere else to go, such as those fleeing domestic violence. But it should be just that – temporary.

“We want to make sure that the time anyone spends in temporary accommodation is as short as possible before moving to a more appropriate, settled home.

“It is also essential that temporary accommodation is of good quality so those who experience homelessness have the best possible chance to find their feet again.

“Making settled housing a priority is a key action in our plans to end homelessness, backed by £50 million of investment. We recognise the importance of a settled home for supporting people to live their life with good health, wellbeing and a sense of community and belonging.”

Read and take part in the consultation

 

 

 

 

 

LIFTing the lid on Scotland’s new social security system

LIFT (Low Income Families Together) organised an event to give local people an opportunity to learn more about the ongoing changes to the welfare and benefits system yesterday. Around sixty people attended the Scotland’s New Social Security System: What Does It Mean for You? conference in Muirhouse Millennium Community Centre yesterday. Continue reading LIFTing the lid on Scotland’s new social security system