Glenrothes YMCA'S vital role to get people into permanent accommodation

YMCA Supported Accommodation provides temporary accommodation that supports homeless people in houses, hostels and flats throughout Glenrothes and Leslie.

Staff help residents in supported accommodation with living skills, help them engage with health, mental health and other services which is all aimed to prepare them for independent living.

Olive Mckenzie, who is a follow on tenancy case worker based at YMCA’s the WASH Project supports residents after they have transitioned from supported accommodation to a permanent tenancy.

She said: “People can fall into homelessness for a number of different reasons, it could be domestic violence, mental health problems or they may have issues with addiction.

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"When people are referred to us they can come and stay for a while to rebuild their confidence and we can support them through any issues that they have.

"When someone moves into a permanent tenancy it can be daunting for them and may still need our help as they may be outwith their comfort zone.

"In my role I support people who have issues with certain aspects of daily life and help them get any assistance that they need, such as mental health support, how to budget, apply for benefits, and setting up utilities.”

David Callan (30) stayed at the WASH project for four months after his marriage ended, he said: “When my relationship with my wife ended, I was left homeless. For a month I was couch surfing and sleeping rough in my car.

"After the first month, Fife Council referred me to the WASH Project in Glenrothes where I stayed for four months before being given a permanent tenancy in Kirkcaldy.

"It has been hard for me as I suffer from depression and anxiety and I don’t have any friends or family in the area.

"The follow up support from YM has really helped me. Olive has been phoning me every second week to see how things are going and to see if I need help.

"She has also helped me to seek support for my mental health issues – it is good knowing someone is there that actually cares about me.”

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