The transition to Rapid Rehousing and Housing First is the driver to redefine the role of supported housing as a response to homelessness in Scotland.  Homeless Network Scotland commissioned a significant qualitative research project led by Anna Evans at Indigo House which asked:   

• In what circumstances, if any, is shared or supported accommodation the appropriate housing option for households experiencing homelessness? 
• What should the shared and supported accommodation options required in these circumstances look like?
• What is the likely scale of such shared and supported accommodation options likely to be in the future?
• How well placed are local authorities and service providers to adopt these housing options at the scale required?

In 2021, a Research Advisory Group, chaired by Dr Beth Watts, I-SPHERE at Heriot-Watt University, published this research alongside a policy position setting out next steps.

REPORTS

• Shared Spaces Policy Position
  Policy Position from the Research Advisory Group, October 2021

• Shared Spaces Final Research Report 
  Research Led by Indigo House, October 2021

TASK & FINISH GROUP

In 2022, the Homelessness Prevention and Strategy Group (HPSG), co-chaired by Cabinet Secretary Shona Robison MSP and COSLA Community Wellbeing Spokesperson Maureen Chalmers, appointed a ‘Task and Finish’ Group to act on this evidence and make recommendations on the role that shared and supported accommodation should play in Scotland’s plan to end homelessness.

The group will report in 2023 and the membership is as follows:

Janeine Barrett – North Ayrshire Council                

Yvette Burgess – Housing Support Enabling Unit

Mike Callaghan – COSLA

Helen Carlin – Rowan Alba

Ann Craig – Glasgow Health & Social Care Partnership     

Angela Dowdalls – Glasgow Health & Social Care Partnership       

Brian Finch – Scottish Government          

Gail Gourley – Trust Housing Association

David Marsland – Crossreach

Lorraine McGrath – Simon Community Scotland

Patrick McKay – Turning Point Scotland

Fiona Morrison – Hillcrest Homes

Gary Neil – Rock Trust

Sherina Peek – ALACHO

Anthony Ross – Change Team

Louise Smith – Queens Cross Housing Association

Co-chairs:

Maggie Brunjes – Homeless Network Scotland

Eileen McMullan – Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

Secretariat:

Michelle Major – Homeless Network Scotland