Turning Point Scotland’s Aberdeen Gateway Support service closed today having successfully achieved its purpose, shortening the time people at risk of homelessness are in accommodation based support by over 80%.

In the first year after the service opened in April 2023, Turning Point Scotland has reduced the time people they support are in accommodation based support from 700 days to 120 days with continued success in the second year of operation.   

When operating Aberdeen Gateway Support provided intensive support for 12 weeks across two core accommodation blocks with transitional support for up to two years within the Aberdeen community.

The service also delivered health led interventions while supporting rapid rehousing to prevent repeat homelessness.

Commissioned by Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Gateway Support added to existing Turning Point Scotland services in the city committed to preventing and supporting those who are experiencing homelessness.

Staff from Aberdeen Gateway Support have been redeployed to Turning Point Scotland’s Aberdeen Housing First and Outreach Housing Support service. 

Turning Point Scotland Head of Services North East Lynsey Blaney said:

“Turning Point Scotland is a main provider of homelessness services in Aberdeen. Our organisation has more than two decades of experience delivering services in the city.

“Our strong working relationship with Aberdeen City Council has meant we have been able to modernise our homelessness service delivery.

“We have achieved the purpose of Aberdeen Gateway Support by significantly reducing the time people at risk of experiencing homelessness are in accommodation based support.

“We look forward to continuing our work with Aberdeen City Council as our staff and key partner deliver quality services to the people we support, providing a holistic approach to reducing harm and preventing repeat homelessness.’’

Notes to Editor

Set up as a registered charity (SC028827) and limited company (SC194639) in 1999, Turning Point Scotland now operates 47 locations across Scotland, employing about 1300 staff and supporting thousands of people, working with 20 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities.

Aberdeen Housing First and Outreach Housing Support delivers both the Housing First approach while also enabling people to maintain independent tenancy sustainment.

A Housing First approach supports people with multiple and enduring needs to move into a tenancy without having to prove they are ready for it. This support is based on our pioneering work from 2010 in Glasgow we deliver a high-fidelity approach to Housing First.

Our outreach work responds to the needs of individuals who are homeless or at the risk of becoming homeless. This includes people who are rough sleeping, or are in temporary or permanent accommodation. We support people who have multiple needs, which may be related to mental health, alcohol and other drug use, offending, finance and employment.

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