Over the last two months Govan Law Centre has helped over 240 people rough sleeping in Glasgow. Working in partnership with frontline organisations who are dedicated to ending rough sleeping and homelessness, we are opening 30 cases a week (sometimes more) for individuals who are rough sleeping.
The majority of this work results in our legal team sending pre-action protocol letters with the intention to commence legal proceedings. Due to the urgent nature of this work our principal solicitor and solicitor advocate will draft an urgent petition to lodge in the Court of Session on short notice that day where necessary.
Head of GLC’s Prevention of Homelessness Services and senior solicitor, Lorna Walker said:
“It has been an absolute privilege to head up the Prevention of Homeless Team at Govan Law Centre since the start of 2024 and work with our wonderful partners. It has always been our goal at Govan Law Centre to offer a holistic service, not just opening and closing files”.
“We are able to offer wrap-around services and ensure that once we get a person off the streets and accommodated, they are supported to move forward with their life. Our partners provide practical solutions like mobile phones, hot meals, an emergency roof for the evening, access to medical care and addiction services, a friendly smile and a listening ear over a cup of tea”.
“All of these things help overcome barriers a person facing homelessness has to navigate. Our partners offer practical advice and have a wide network of skilled people who genuinely care. These partnerships are crucial to the ethos of Govan Law Centre and also gives us peace of mind and as you can see from the demand for our homelessness services, keeps us very very busy.”
“These partnerships are crucial to the ethos of Govan Law Centre”
Lorna Walker, Senior Solicitor & Head of Prevention of Homelessness Services
GLC also ensure that people are not stuck in unsuitable accommodation for long periods of time, thus helping to prevent a bottle neck of people stuck in hotels and hostels for months on end and not being able to cook or work and move forward with their lives. People deserve to feel safe and secure in a home environment.
We are grateful to our partners, including Homeless Project Scotland, Scottish Refugee Council, Simon Community, Glasgow City Mission, Shelter Scotland and others. We acknowledge the essential support of our funders for this work which includes the Oak Foundation, the Scottish Government and the Robertson Trust.
