Latest news with #GaryMeek
Glasgow Times
23-06-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow charity named Scottish Charity of the Year
Blue Triangle, which supports people facing homelessness, received the honour at the SCVO Scottish Charity Awards. Gary Meek, chief executive officer of Blue Triangle, said: "Blue Triangle is delighted to be recognised by the Scottish Charity Awards for Charity of the Year. Jonathon McNaughton, chair of Blue Triangle board (Image: SCVO) "It is even more special to receive this award as we are celebrating our 50th anniversary. "This honour is only made possible by our hardworking staff, many of whom have supported some of the most vulnerable members of society during decades of service. Read more: Workers to receive share of £2m pay-out after legal battle Former Rangers chairman 'do not screw it up' warning after US takeover Former Sky News presenter diagnosed with stage four cancer "Blue Triangle will continue to provide life-changing support, while highlighting the urgent need for action against the backdrop of a housing crisis." Founded in June 1975, Blue Triangle has grown into a national provider of housing and social care, operating 29 services across 10 local authorities. The charity supports hundreds of people every day, including young people, families, asylum seekers, and individuals in recovery. Its services go beyond providing a safe place to stay, offering people the tools and support to rebuild their lives. As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, Blue Triangle has also launched a podcast called A Voice in the Dark, which shares stories from staff and people who have used its services. One episode features Jonathon McNaughton, who became homeless at 16 and was supported by Blue Triangle. Mr McNaughton later joined the charity's board and was recently elected chair. The podcast is available on Acast, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. With more than 6,000 people currently on Glasgow's homeless housing waiting list, the charity is expanding its services through new funding and partnerships. This includes a £5 million investment from Social and Sustainable Capital's SASH II fund to purchase additional properties and extend support services.
Daily Record
12-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Scots charity that tackles homelessness in Ayrshire marks 50th anniversary with Civic Reception
The event brought together staff and supported people from across the country, including those from Ayrshire. Staff and supported people from a homelessness charity in Ayrshire joined others from around the country as Blue Triangle marked its 50th anniversary with a civic reception at Glasgow City Chambers. The event brought together staff and supported people from across the country, including those from Ayrshire. The Ayrshire group travelled to Glasgow to take part in the celebration, joining colleagues from across Scotland to reflect on five decades of impact. Blue Triangle, a leading Scottish charity tackling homelessness, provides accommodation and 24/7 support at Bank Street and Whatriggs Road in East Ayrshire. In South Ayrshire, Chalmers Court supports single adults experiencing homelessness. The area is also home to ROOTS IPRS (Intensive Peer Recovery Support), which provides community-based support for people in recovery from addiction and mental health challenges. The charity recently launched a new podcast, A Voice in the Dark, which is recorded at Chalmers Court and shares real stories from people supported by Blue Triangle. Gary Meek, CEO of Blue Triangle, said: 'We started with one service here in Glasgow and we've expanded because the need has grown. 'But our focus has always been the same— helping people who are struggling to get the support and stability they need to move forward. 'This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our compassionate team, who go above and beyond every day to support people through some of the most difficult times in their lives.' Blue Triangle's impact is set to grow further thanks to a £5 million investment from Social and Sustainable Capital's SASH II fund, allowing the charity to expand housing and support across the country. The organisation has also been shortlisted for Charity of the Year and People's Choice at the 2025 SCVO Scottish Charity Awards. Blue Triangle currently supports more than 400 people across Scotland every day through their services and outreach work. Between 2023-24: * 43% supported people moved into their own tenancies * 41% of those admitted to services were under 25-years-old * 35% of those entering the services experienced sleeping rough * 30% of supported people faced eviction in their previous tenancies * 15% of those admitted to services were fleeing violence The highest level of admission to Blue Triangle services from 2023-24 was South Lanarkshire (35%), followed by Renfrewshire (24%) and Glasgow (12%). This year, the organisation opened the first Recovery Housing service in Kilmarnock, funded by CORRA Foundation, in partnership with East Ayrshire Drug & Alcohol Partnership. The Blue Triangle podcast, 'A Voice in the Dark' is available via Acast, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Glasgow Times
08-06-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow homelessness charity marks 50 year anniversary
Blue Triangle, founded in Glasgow and now operating across Scotland, was originally established as a refuge for young women experiencing homelessness in 1975. It has since grown into a national housing and social care provider, running 29 services across 10 local authority areas. The charity currently supports more than 400 people each day, including young people, families, asylum seekers, and individuals in recovery. Blue Triangle CEO Gary Meek with Bailee Eva Murray and BT Chairman Jonathan McNaughton (Image: Alasdair Watson Photography.) Read more: Scots are being offered physical 'rain cheques' to help keep their spirits up Gary Meek, chief executive of Blue Triangle, said: "We started with one service here in Glasgow and we've expanded because the need has grown. "But our focus has always been the same—helping people who are struggling to get the support and stability they need to move forward." Of those supported in 2023–24, 41 per cent were under the age of 25, 35 per cent had previously slept rough, 30 per cent had faced eviction in their last tenancy, and 15 per cent were fleeing violence. The charity marked its 50th anniversary on June 5 with a civic reception at Glasgow City Chambers. Gary said: "This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our compassionate team who go above and beyond every day to support people through some of the most difficult times in their lives. "We're proud of our history but more importantly, we're focused on the future and how we keep stepping up to meet the needs of communities across Scotland." Originally founded at Somerset Place in Glasgow, the service remains open today as supported accommodation for young people aged 16 to 26. Many of those supported have grown up in care or faced significant adversity. Blue Triangle offers a range of services beyond housing built on a trauma-informed approach, including outreach, recovery housing, and floating support. The charity was recently named a finalist in both the Charity of the Year and People's Choice categories at the SCVO Scottish Charity Awards 2025. Blue Triangle held a civic reception at Glasgow City Chambers to mark the occasion (Image: Alasdair Watson Photography.) Read more: Glasgow workshop aims to inspire potential community organisers Blue Triangle is responding to the ongoing housing crisis with a £5 million investment from Social and Sustainable Capital's SASH II fund to purchase additional properties and expand its services. Gary said: "Homelessness isn't just about housing, it's about people. "If we want to tackle this crisis, we need more than bricks and mortar. "We need services that recognise the complexity of people's lives, and we need to keep listening to those who've been through it. "That's the only way we build lasting change."
The Herald Scotland
06-06-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
50 years of Glasgow charity's 'vital work' celebrated
The charity's first site, Somerset Place, served as a refuge for young women facing homelessness - one of the first of its kind. Today, the charity reaches across the nation, operating 29 services across ten local authorities, which include sheltered accommodation for young people, addiction recovery centres, and a range of social housing. With a rising housing crisis and more than 6,000 people waiting for homes in Glasgow, charity bosses say the need is greater than ever. Blue Triangle CEO Gary Meek (L) with Bailie Eva Murray and BT Chairman Jonathon McNaughton (Image: Alasdair Watson) Blue Triangle CEO Gary Meek said: 'We started with one service here in Glasgow and we've expanded because the need has grown. But our focus has always been the same - helping people who are struggling to get the support and stability they need to move forward. 'This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our compassionate team who go above and beyond every day to support people through some of the most difficult times in their lives. 'We're proud of our history but more importantly, we're focused on the future and how we keep stepping up to meet the needs of communities across Scotland.' Read more: "Urgent and targeted": charities call for council action on homelessness 'Can't cope': Two thirds of homeless children in housing emergency digs are refugees 'Boils the blood': 30,000 demand women-only Scots homeless refuge as deaths rise Currently, the charity helps more than 400 people every day through outreach and services, and plans to use a £5m investment from the Scottish Government to purchase more properties and expand their work. Meek added: 'Homelessness isn't just about housing, it's about people. If we want to tackle this crisis, we need more than bricks and mortar. We need services that recognise the complexity of people's lives, and we need to keep listening to those who've been through it. That's the only way we build lasting change.'
