Cyrenians
December 2007: Have given some time recently to help the Cyrenians in Edinburgh develop their public profile, and build the capacity to do that amongst their team. Hope the input was appreciated and yields results. I’ve helped in projects for the homeless before, doing Crisis at Christmas in the early eighties and always assist the Salvation Army when I can.
I think it’s a travesty that anyone is homeless in this day and age and an indictment of a supposedly civilised society. What I like about the Cyrenians is the work they do to deal with the causes of homelessness. Make no mistake, official figures vastly under-estimate the scale of the problem – especially amongst young people – there’s an unknown number of younger people who are ’staying with friends’ or want to move out their parents’ home but don’t have the means.
The multi-disciplinary approach of the Cyrenians team is designed to catch all and to deal with the underlying issues. Yep, these guys really can make a difference. Here’s some extracts from what they say about themselves.
Homelessness can and does happen to anyone. It is the most vulnerable, however, who are most at risk – young people coming out of care, those with mental health difficulties, asylum seekers and refugees and those affected by family breakdowns.
What we do
We create opportunities that weren’t there before and we provide practical help and the sort of support that enables people to help themselves. In this way we empower those who are excluded to take control of their lives and to fulfil their potential with outcomes such as better housing, employability, health and well-being.
Update: November 2008
I’m de;ighted to hear the effectts of the training have been beneficial and that some advances have been made in public awareness. Cyrenians have brought out a great Christmas present – Christmas Hampers put together with produce from the Farm. Another excellent piece of joined up thinking! Have offered to help further, so we’ll see what transpires…
