Ian came to London from Glasgow earlier this year. His employer had reduced his hours which resulted in Ian being unable to keep up his rent payments and so was evicted from his flat. Ian came to London hoping to find work but soon found himself alone and sleeping rough. When Ian first came into Borderline he was in desperate need of support. The client support worker was able to supply Ian with a sleeping bag and details of a night shelter where he could self-refer for that night. The client worker was also able to secure a long-term room in a YMCA hostel where Borderline has access to 3 rooms. Ian was able to move into the room the very next day. Borderline will continue to work with Ian to help him find permanent accommodation in the future and will also help with financing items that he needs to meet his immediate
needs. The 3 rooms that Borderline have access to in the YMCA are a vital ongoing service. We require your help in funding these beds on an ongoing and permanent basis.

This year is the 20th Anniversary of Borderline. We have been offering support and advice to homeless and insecurely housed 1st and 2nd generation Scots in London since 1990. Over the last 20 years there have been many changes to Borderline including the recent move to Covent Garden. One thing however hasn’t changed and that is the plight of the many Scots who come to London to escape abuse, addiction and poverty. Unfortunately many of these Scots soon find themselves without friends, family or a job and can eventually end up on the streets. The other thing that hasn’t changed is the service Borderline offers to these very vulnerable Scots. Borderline is still the only charity specifically helping homeless Scots in London. With your help, we’ll be here for another 20 years.

Welcome to our new website and Borderline Blog where we hope to keep you regularly updated with news.

I would firstly like to thank you for all of your support of Borderline over the last 12 months. This last year has seen many changes here at Borderline, not least the move from Victoria to Covent Garden. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the work that the staff at Borderline has undertaken in that time.

Over the last 12 months, we have seen 276 clients with 135 of those clients being new clients to Borderline. This is a phenomenal achievement for Borderline to be able to make a real difference in so many vulnerable people’s lives. We have utilised the 3 beds at the YMCA hostel almost continually over this past year, 3 of those clients are now in permanent sheltered accommodation, 3 are now attending college and we will continue to work with the other clients to enable them to move forward positively with their lives and plans.

I would also like to offer our sincere thanks to St Columba’s Church of Scotland who have continued to be one of our most valued supporters of the charity. The Church Benevolent Fund has supplied nearly 50 grants this year to clients which are used for clothing or for household items. Many of our clients find themselves moving into hostels with little or no possessions at all, these grants help furnish a room and make the client feel more at home.  St Columba’s congregation also held a Lent appeal for Borderline this year which raised invaluable funds.

This also leads me onto the Caledonian Carol Service which was held at St Columba’s in December last year. It was great to see many familiar faces as well as some new supporters. The night was a great success with wonderful music and many inspirational speeches and words of support. I would encourage you to come again this year and to spread the word amongst friends, family and colleagues so we can ensure another great turn out for Borderline.

Alan Mackie
Borderline Chairman