Work has begun on a ground-breaking housing programme designed to support young people at risk of homelessness in Glasgow. Working with the local council and construction partner Enevate Homes, leading children’s charity Barnardo’s Scotland will build five ‘Gap Homes’, which are purpose-built houses for young people leaving the care system.
A Gap Home provides high quality, affordable and additional housing for care-experienced young people, and provides the opportunity for a young person to live in a new property in an established community with support available to them from Barnardo’s.
The Gap Homes programme was developed by Barnardo’s in response to the lack of suitable housing and support available to young people at the point of leaving care. Poor quality housing and a lack of support increases the likelihood of homelessness.
This is exacerbated by a lack of suitable accommodation for young people preparing to live independently. Glasgow* is one of numerous sites across the UK where Barnardo’s is constructing Gap Homes, with existing Gap Homes in Stirling and Renfrewshire – and more to come. Young people are expected to be resident in a Gap Home for up to two years. As landlord, Barnardo’s can offer flexibility on the length of tenure, reflecting each young person’s individual needs.
The Gap Homes programme has been made possible thanks to an £18m gift from the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust, the largest single donation in the charity’s history. This generous donation will fund the Barnardo’s Gap Homes programme, creating 50 homes across the UK, as well as an ongoing fund to support vital services in the North of England.
The Albert Hunt Trust has also made a financial donation towards the Gap Homes project in Glasgow. The Trust has been funding programmes to address homelessness since its foundation in 1979. The Garfield Weston Foundation, a family founded grant-maker that supports a wide range of charities across the UK, has also contributed funding.
Elizabeth McShane, the UK Head of Business for Gap Homes at Barnardo’s, said: “We are absolutely delighted to mark the start of the Gap Homes programme in Glasgow. Gap Homes are transformational, having a profound and positive impact on the lives of young people.
“It can be very difficult for young people leaving care to live alone for the first time, especially when it comes to running a home on a limited budget. Gap Homes creates a safe and stable environment in which young people can thrive.
“They are built in established communities and have low running costs. The current housing crisis means that there’s not a lot of available housing, let alone for young people leaving care. The latest Gap Homes development in Glasgow forms part of the fight to tackle the lack of suitable accommodation for care leavers.”
John Richards, Chair of Trustees of the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust, which has supported Barnardo’s for more than 60 years, said: “Katherine Martin was a remarkable woman who believed in the power of philanthropy to change lives. This significant donation in support of the invaluable work of Barnardo’s in the Glasgow area is a testament to her enduring legacy, forming part of a wider nationally based award. We are privileged to continue her mission of supporting children and young people and are delighted that Barnardo’s will use this gift to provide vital support to those who need it most.
“This gift will directly address a critical need for young people leaving care. We believe that every young person deserves a safe, stable home, and we are proud to support Barnardo’s in their efforts to provide just that. Our partnership with Barnardo’s has spanned decades, and by supporting Barnardo's, we can honour Katherine's memory and contribute towards a brighter future for generations to come. Together, we can achieve more, and we hope Katherine’s legacy will inspire others to give back and make a difference.”
Jane Deller Ray, Operations Manager at The Albert Hunt Trust, said: “The Albert Hunt Trust recognises the importance of a safe, secure home for young people leaving care and is pleased to support the Gap Homes development in Glasgow which will help to bridge the transition from care to independent living with support from Barnardo’s.”
The Gap Homes in Glasgow will be built by Enevate Homes. Gary Mayatt, Enevate’s Managing Director said: “At Enevate Homes, we’re proud to partner with Barnardo’s on this meaningful project. By delivering five high-quality Gap Homes through offsite construction, we’re helping to provide young people with safe, sustainable spaces to thrive as they transition into independence.”
Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Convener for Housing and Development at Glasgow City Council, said: “These Gap Homes in Glasgow will be very important for young people moving out of the care system, and will provide a key path towards independent living and a long-term higher quality of life.
“Glasgow City Council works with a wide range of organisations across the city to help meet the different housing needs of people and families, and we are very pleased to be working with Barnardo’s Scotland on the development of these starter homes.”
At Barnardo’s, our purpose is clear: Changing childhoods and changing lives, so that children, young people, and families are safe, happy, healthy, and hopeful. Last year, we worked with thousands of children across Scotland through more than 150 services and partnerships.
Across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we provided essential support to 373,200 children, young people, parents and carers through more than 800 services and partnerships across the UK. This included 150-plus services in Scotland.
For more than 150 years, we’ve been here for the children and young people who need us most – bringing love, care and hope into their lives and giving them a place where they feel they belong.
Over the course of the financial year 2023-24, more than 16,000 people volunteered for Barnardo’s across the UK – a total of 1.7 million hours of their time. To donate, volunteer or fundraise, please visit: www.barnardos.org.uk/get-involved/raise-money.