During the holiday season, we must not forget the plight of thousands of people across Scotland who are experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping.
Scottish Drugs Forum thought what better way to show care than to share where people can seek support this Christmas period.
Shelter Scotland has said that 28,000 Scottish households were assessed as homeless last year and an estimated 5,000 people sleep rough on Scotland’s streets at some point in the year.
Rough sleeping can be dangerous at any time of the year, but this winter is forecast to be extremely cold. If you or someone you know finds themselves homeless this Winter, there are night shelters across Scotland where you can find a bed and some food for the night.
The below list is by no means exhaustive, and if there are any other winter night shelters or Christmas meals for people sleeping rough that you are aware of that are not listed here, please get in touch with us at enquiries@sdf.org.uk and we will update this list when possible.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen Cyrenians
In Aberdeen, Street Alternatives is available for those who are roofless or have limited access to cooking facilities. The service offers a hot meal, shower and laundry facilities at each session.
Due to the demand for the service they are not able to allow access to those who have not been seen at a Drop-In session.
Drop-in sessions times include:
- Wed 20th Dec 10.00am-12noon
- Thur 21st 10.00am-3.45pm
- Fri 22nd Dec 10.00am-2.45pm
- Wed 27th Dec 10.00am-12noon
- Thurs 28th Dec 10.00am-3.45pm
Street Alternatives session times (only accessible after attending the drop-in session):
- Wed 20th Dec 12noon-2pm
- Thur 21st Dec 5.30pm-8pm
- Fri 22nd Dec – Wed 27th Dec 12noon-2pm
- Thurs 28th Dec 5.30pm-8pm
- Fri 29th Dec – Wed 3rd Jan 12noon-2pm
Edinburgh
Crisis Skylight Edinburgh
Crisis at Christmas at Southside Community Centre, 117 Nicholson Street, EH8 9ER is completely free and open to anyone over 18 who are experiencing homelessness. There will be food, company, activities, and entertainment and on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, they will also be offering hairdressing, massage, and foot care services. There will also be the opportunity to find out more about the year-round services Crisis offers including specialised advice on benefits, employment, and housing options.
Doors are open:
- Monday 25th Dec 8am-6pm
- Tuesday 26th Dec 11am-6pm
- Wednesday 27th Dec 12noon – 4.30pm
- Thursday 28th Dec 12noon – 4.30pm
- Monday 1st Jan 12noon – 5pm
0131 209 7700
Hearts and Hibernian Christmas Dinner
Hearts and Hibernian Football Clubs are opening their doors to people from Edinburgh on Christmas Day for people who might not otherwise enjoy much of the festive cheer many of us take for granted. Up to 400 people will enjoy what promises to be a happy, delicious and fun-filled Christmas lunch.
- Hibernian (Leith) – 11am-2pm on Christmas Day at Easter Road Stadium, 12 Albion Place, EH7 5QG
- Hearts (Gorgie) – 11am-2pm on Christmas Day at Tynecastle Stadium, McLeod St, EH11 2NL
Glasgow
Glasgow Winter Night Shelter
This year’s Glasgow Winter Night Shelter service is at the Lodging House Mission’s premises at 35 East Campbell Street, G1 5DT. Doors will open at 10pm every night until 8 am, including Christmas and New Year, from Dec 1st to March 31st 2018
0141 221 2630 / 07555 591 466
Glasgow Lodging House Mission
You can get a hot meal every day during the Christmas period (except for New Years Day) at the Lodging House Mission’s Drop-In Centre’s Cafe, also on East Campbell Street. A free breakfast is served between 8.00am-10.00am and a free lunch of soup and the main course is served between 12.00pm-1.00pm.
Christmas Dinner at Glasgow City Mission
Glasgow City Mission is providing dinner with all the trimmings on Friday the 22nd of December at their headquarters, 20 Crimea Street, G2 8PW. There will be two sittings, one at 6.30pm and another at 8.00pm – get there early!
0141 221 2630
Hostel support is available from local councils across Scotland through calling their dedicated helplines which can be found through this link: https://www.mygov.scot/emergency-housing/