Jo Swinson shows support for local homeless project

1.12.31pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 28th Jul 2005

Jo Swinson MP has praised the work of the Kirkintilloch Canal Project for homeless young people.

Jo Swinson with staff and young people at the Canal Project

Jo was yesterday given a tour of the facilities by Project Manager Gerry McGinty, and was struck by the positive atmosphere and culture of respect that has been created.

The project, which was officially opened in August 2004, is run by leading charity NCH Scotland in partnership with East Dunbartonshire Council. It provides accommodation for up to eight young people and aims to give them support towards a positive future.

Those who are given a place at the project are helped to find work or undertake training courses. They are also encouraged to develop the important everyday skills such as cooking and budgeting that will allow them to lead an independent way of life when they come to move into accommodation of their own.

Jo commented, "Listening today to some of the young people this project has helped was inspiring. It can be hard to put yourself in the shoes of someone who is young and homeless and understand the tremendous difficulties they face. Homelessness comes about due to a wide variety of circumstances, and the needs of individuals vary greatly."

"It takes a lot of discipline and hard work to create the positive culture of respect that exists in the Canal Project in Kirkintilloch. The staff must be given enormous credit for that."

"The approach taken at the Canal Project, of close attention and support given to young people by staff, is resource-intensive but it certainly produces positive outcomes and is of great benefit to society as well as the individuals helped."