An Edinburgh homeless charity is celebrating after receiving £500 of Scotmid vouchers through the convenience retailer’s community grant scheme.
The grant will be used to provide ingredients for the charity’s weekly cooking groups.
The Rock Trust works with young people between the ages of 16 – 25 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless across Edinburgh and the Lothians. This includes young people who are in transitions, leaving care or home and those involved in offending, alcohol or drug misuse.
Amanda Donaldson, a fundraiser for The Rock Trust, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Scotmid for their kind support. The Rock Trust has always believed that homelessness was more than rooflessness and that young people need to learn social and practical skills to be active participating members of their community and society.
“One of the skills that we develop within our group work sessions is cooking, which build independence and confidence and are a valuable and enjoyed part of our program. The vouchers we have been awarded will go towards ingredients for these groups. Often the meals prepared are the only hot meals the young people will have.
“These cooking groups don’t only provide sustenance but they offer the opportunity to learn new skills, such as healthy cooking on a budget and forward planning, to take with them into successful independent living.”
Patricia Edington, Scotmid Co-operative Membership and Community Manager, said: “Scotmid welcomed the opportunity to help young people learn valuable cooking skills – not only will these vouchers ensure that young people will get a healthy, home cooked meal, they will also learn how to prepare meals which are nutritionally balanced and inexpensive.”
Established in 1991, the Rock Trust provides a wide range of services including:
· Advice service available at its Underground drop-in centre
· One to one support, at its offices or at the young person’s accommodation
· Group programmes, including sport, gardening and cooking
· Opportunities for volunteering and work experience
· A respite place to stay, for those who need time away from their situation
· Mediation to build positive relationships
· Supported housing in shared or single accommodation
· Training for professionals
The Rock Trust’s role is to advise, educate and support young people, enabling them to build the personal skills and resources required to make a positive and healthy transition to adulthood, while avoiding or moving on from homelessness.
For more information about the Rock Trust, visit www.rocktrust.org.