Glenrothes YMCA launches Christmas tablet appeal to support homeless people

YMCA Glenrothes is asking people to give the gift of communication by donating to its Christmas appeal.
Gareth Allenby.Gareth Allenby.
Gareth Allenby.

It has introduced ‘Y Link-UP’ – a free digital platforming service for homeless residents.

The tablet loan scheme allows residents the opportunity to engage in all levels of IT and communication, and using the technology will also improve employability and educational prospects and help them stay connected.

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Gareth Allenby, service manager, said: “The concept allows each homeless resident to borrow an electronic tablet so they can access various channels of communication.

“This is a new service, as part of our daily support to people.

"We believe ‘Y Link-UP’ and seeing a person face to face, although remotely, really benefits each individual.”

The organisation has managed homeless accommodation since 1992 and was the first Fife charity of its kind to offer shelter and support for vulnerable young people.

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Y Supported Accommodation (YSA) continues to assist over 250 people who require accommodation and support.

The charity supports individuals right through to their own tenancy, and, if required offers transitional help for up to a year afterwards.

Gareth added: “In a normal year we would be holding several events to support our homeless people.

"These would include social gatherings where staff cook Christmas dinners, arts and craft events - we would be piggy backing on to services across the Kingdom who are doing all things festive.

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"We are having to adapt due to Covid-19, and introduce other options to reduce social isolation and make Christmas as normal as possible.”

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