ARGYLL and Bute is set to play a key role in a major national push to stop people becoming homeless before they reach crisis point.
Local scheme Home Secure Argyll: Prevention through Partnership will be led by Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), and is one of 15 pilot schemes across Scotland sharing £4 million of Scottish Government funding aimed at stopping people from becoming homeless before they reach crisis point.
Delivered across Argyll and Bute, Home Secure Argyll will bring local partners together to identify residents at risk earlier and offer practical help to keep them in their homes. That could include support for people facing relationship breakdown, those leaving hospital or prison, or anyone struggling with problem debt and rent arrears.
The funding is being administered nationally by the charity Advice Direct
Scotland as part of work to implement new duties under the Housing (Scotland) Act, which became law earlier this month. The Act will require public bodies – including NHS boards, councils, Police Scotland and the Scottish Prison Service – to take “reasonable steps” to prevent homelessness wherever possible.
The Argyll and Bute scheme sits alongside pilots in 15 other council areas, covering big cities, small towns, rural communities and islands. More than 70 organisations are involved across Scotland, with projects running until the end of 2026.
Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “From our big cities to rural communities and the islands, these initiatives reflect the breadth of expertise and commitment needed to prevent homelessness.
“Some pilots are focused
on specific places, while others cover services or entire council areas, and at least six are aiming for national impact.
“It’s been hugely rewarding for us to support this investment, and we look forward to hearing about the results of the pilot initiatives.
“What’s particularly encouraging is the level of leadership and commitment from both national bodies and grassroots organisations.
“This is about a shared mission across the country to reshape the way services tackle homelessness.
“It’s great to see Scotland’s biggest national organisations, especially those in health and social care, playing a strong role. With more than 70 organisations taking part, these pilots are the first step towards what we hope will be a transformational change on preventing homelessness.”
