Londoners see more and more homelessness on our streets – 50% more than there were five years ago that’s over 8,000 people sleeping rough – many who have problems with alcohol and drugs, as well as mental health issues.

Borderline, the only London-based charity helping homeless Scots, is addressing the problem.

As well as helping with accommodation, Borderline provides information and advice; access to mental health support; training and education and life skills.

Clothing and household starter grants help clients set up home.

Although Borderline focuses on Scots, its services contribute to reducing homelessness across London.

Here are three clients who Borderline has helped:
Tom, had served in the military and had been diagnosed with PTSD and would regularly self-medicate with alcohol.
He was referred to Borderline’s Scottish Outreach Worker after he refused to engage with other services.
Borderline directed Tom to temporary accommodation and a detox programme.
However, he relapsed and returned to the streets. Saying he wanted to return back to Scotland, it was established that Tom still had a local connection in Edinburgh.
Tom was given a bus ticket and was linked with relevant services there.
He is now living in a flat with support from a veteran’s charity.

Jack, from Fife, is an ex-serviceman who experienced violence from a young age which led to him fleeing his family home aged just 15.
After completing his military service Jack, lost his 10 year old son following a car accident in which Jack was driving.
This led to multiple suicide attempts and a stay in a psychiatric hospital.
He was diagnosed with PTSD, and became alcohol and drug dependent.
He was not able to sustain his tenancy, and was evicted. He was referred to Borderline after he was found sleeping rough in London.
Although he was encouraged to engage with mental health and substance misuse services, he refused and was admitted to a mental health hospital following another suicide attempt.
There then was an incident that led to his arrest. However, the Scottish Outreach Worker is still in contact with Jack to ensure there will be support for him when he is released.

Paul was brought to London by his Scottish mother.
When he was 16, his mother became unwell and decided to go back to Scotland.
He chose to stay in London, but found it was not easy to cope on his own.
Although he had friends he could stay with, he also went through periods of homelessness, staying in night shelters and hostels.
Paul met someone and moved in with her, who turned out to be abusive. After 14 years he finally left but had lost contact with his family and friends.
He started to sleep on the streets again and referred to Borderline who arranged accommodation at a local YMCA.
With support from his caseworker, in time he was able to move into a flat of his own.

You can help homeless Scots in London – visit https://www.borderline-uk.org/help-us/