We are a small, independent charity that has been helping Scots in London for 20 years. We strive to provide a comprehensive range of quality services to enable and encourage homeless Scots in London to pursue individual opportunities to fulfil their potential.

We offer a unique service, with an understanding of the particular problems and needs of homeless Scots in London, and have strong partnerships with many different organisations in London and Scotland.

We offer resettlement options in Scotland and London, assessment and referrals to specialist agencies, advice on welfare benefits, birth certificates for identification purposes and much more. See How We Can Help for more details.

Our Advice Workers carry out an initial assessment to see how we can help and will then discuss what they consider to be the best options. This can be done over the phone, at our office or by arranging an appointment. If for any reason it is not possible for you to come and see us, we will do our best to find an alternative option.

Our service is focused on the needs of the people who come to us looking for help, enabling them to find long term solutions and sustainability.

Borderline was founded in 1990 by COSLAS (The Church of Scotland London Advisory Service) to support homeless and insecurely housed Scots in London.  It now operates as an independent charity.

Our Aims

• To prevent homelessness in general and rough sleeping in particular
• To provide practical support to enable each client to clarify and fulfil their own housing aspirations
• To support returning Scots in making a success of their resettlement through effective partnership working
• To help vulnerable Scots make a success of their decision to move to London
• To be a pivotal resource to the homeless Scots population in London
• To provide a holistic service working alongside clients to tackle causes as well as symptoms of homelessness

Our Objectives

• To re-settle as many clients as possible
• To maintain preferential access to a pool of hostel beds catering for a variety of client needs
• To provide the option of appropriate resettlement in Scotland
• To inform and educate Scots about Scottish homelessness in London
• To support clients in their search for employment by providing individual action plans
• To generate sufficient resources to meet Borderline’s aims and objectives
• Borderline works with 1st and 2nd generation Scots in London.  Second generation Scots are people with Scottish parents