Latest news with #SASHII
Scotsman
27-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Scottish charities urged to apply for final round of £18.5m dedicated housing fund
Social and Sustainable Capital (SASC) is calling on Scottish charities to apply for funding from its Social and Sustainable Housing Fund II (SASH II). Up to £18.5 million from the fund has been dedicated to support Scottish charities, enabling them to provide vital housing alongside their support services. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... With the fund closing to new commitments in March 2026, SASC urges organisations to start discussions now to avoid missing out. Much of this dedicated funding has already been allocated so early engagement is strongly encouraged to ensure charities can take advantage of the remaining available funds. SASH II supports charities that provide both housing and support services by enabling them to buy and manage their own properties. This reduces their reliance on rented accommodation and offers long-term, stable homes for people they support, including those experiencing homelessness, survivors of domestic abuse, care leavers, individuals with learning disabilities, and others. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mark Bickford, CEO of SASC, said: 'At SASC, we see social investment as a catalyst for lasting change. Simon Community Scotland resident 'Scotland's progressive government policies, strong commitment to social justice, and collaborative third sector make it an ideal place for place-based investment. 'Through SASH II, we enable charities to gain direct control over the homes they provide, improving outcomes for tenants and building financial strength for their organisation. We encourage any charity interested in supported housing to explore how this fund can support their work – before the investment window closes.' SASH II offers 10-year loans of £1-5m, covering up to 100% of the property purchase price along with associated costs. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Crucially, SASC absorbs both void and negative equity risk, significantly reducing financial exposure for participating organisations. This model provides long-term security for vulnerable individuals while helping charities strengthen their balance sheets, speed up delivery of housing outside of local authority processes, and lower costs through energy efficiency opportunities. SASH II is supported by a group of investors committed to social impact. These include the Scottish National Investment Bank, the University of Edinburgh, The Garfield Weston Foundation, Church of England, Better Society Capital, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Skagen. New backers joining SASH II for the first time include the John Laing Charitable Trust, The Linbury Trust, and the 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust. While SASC's investors ultimately bear the repayment risk, blended capital – through grants from government or charitable foundations – can further reduce financial risk for charities and improve access to this funding. To date, SASC has deployed from this SASH II fund over £6m in Scotland, with a further £5m in progress. Among the beneficiaries is Simon Community Scotland, which used a £5m loan from the first SASH fund to acquire 32 properties in Edinburgh as part of its Housing First programme. Blue Triangle, the first Scottish housing association supported by SASH II, secured £4.9m to purchase more than 60 homes for vulnerable adults across the south of Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dave Gorman, director of Social Responsibility and Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh, said: 'We are proud to continue our investment in SASC's innovative housing fund and to witness the remarkable work of Scottish charities empowering vulnerable individuals through supported housing. 'The impact and success of the SASH model has been inspiring.' Susan Campbell, director of Market Creation (Housing) at the Scottish National Investment Bank, added: 'Like the bank, SASC is an impact investor, which is why we were pleased to commit £15m to the SASH II fund. 'The housing shortage in Scotland is well-known, which is one of the reasons we are pleased to support this innovative approach to place-based investment. By de-risking housing investment for charities, we are enabling them to grow their stock and support those who are experiencing homelessness and other housing needs. I encourage the relevant charitable organisations to apply.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Charities must submit their applications by the end of 2025, with all loan agreements signed by 31 March 2026. SASC recommends starting discussions three to six months in advance to allow adequate time for due diligence and structuring. Funds can be drawn down after the agreement date if needed. SASH II is available to charities providing supported housing to Scotland's most disadvantaged individuals, including those affected by homelessness, domestic abuse, substance misuse, involvement with the justice system, or transitions from care. SASC is a member of the Commission for More Homes Scotland, a national initiative focused on delivering social investment solutions to address Scotland's housing challenges, which has become increasingly urgent in the face of growing demand for supported housing.
Scotsman
26-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Up to £18.5M dedicated to Scottish Charities Providing Housing from SASC's SASH II Fund
Social and Sustainable Capital (SASC) is calling on Scottish charities to apply for funding from its Social and Sustainable Housing Fund II (SASH II) Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Up to £18.5m from the fund has been dedicated to support Scottish charities, enabling them to provide vital housing alongside their support services. With the fund closing to new commitments in March 2026, SASC urges organisations to start discussions now to avoid missing out. Much of this dedicated funding has already been allocated so early engagement is strongly encouraged to ensure charities can take advantage of the remaining available funds. SASH II supports charities that provide both housing and support services by enabling them to buy and manage their own properties. This reduces their reliance on rented accommodation and offers long-term, stable homes for people they support, including those experiencing homelessness, survivors of domestic abuse, care leavers, individuals with learning disabilities, and others. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mark Bickford, CEO of SASC, said: 'At SASC, we see social investment as a catalyst for lasting change. Scotland's progressive government policies, strong commitment to social justice, and collaborative third sector make it an ideal place for place-based investment. Through SASH II, we enable charities to gain direct control over the homes they provide, improving outcomes for tenants and building financial strength for their organisation. We encourage any charity interested in supported housing to explore how this fund can support their work—before the investment window closes.' The Simon Community A Flexible Model for Charities SASH II offers 10-year loans of £1-5 million, covering up to 100% of the property purchase price along with associated costs. Crucially, SASC absorbs both void and negative equity risk, significantly reducing financial exposure for participating organisations. This model provides long-term security for vulnerable individuals while helping charities strengthen their balance sheets, speed up delivery of housing outside of local authority processes, and lower costs through energy efficiency opportunities. Strategic Investment Backing SASH II is supported by a group of investors committed to social impact. These include the Scottish National Investment Bank, the University of Edinburgh, the Garfield Weston Foundation, Church of England, and Skagen. New backers joining SASH II for the first time include the John Laing Charitable Trust, The Linbury Trust, and the 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust. Mark Bickford, CEO of SASC While SASC's investors ultimately bear the repayment risk, blended capital—through grants from government or charitable foundations—can further reduce financial risk for charities and improve access to this funding. Proven Impact in Scotland Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad To date, SASC has deployed from this SASH II fund over £6 million in Scotland, with a further £5 million in progress. Among the beneficiaries is Simon Community Scotland, which used a £5 million loan from the first SASH fund to acquire 32 properties in Edinburgh as part of its Housing First programme. Blue Triangle, the first Scottish housing association supported by SASH II, secured £4.9 million to purchase more than 60 homes for vulnerable adults across the south of Scotland. Dave Gorman, Director of Social Responsibility and Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh, said: 'We are proud to continue our investment in SASC's innovative housing fund and to witness the remarkable work of Scottish charities empowering vulnerable individuals through supported housing. The impact and success of the SASH model has been inspiring.' Susan Campbell, Director of Market Creation (Housing) at the Scottish National Investment Bank comments: 'Like the Bank, SASC is an impact investor, which is why we were pleased to commit £15million to the SASH II fund. The housing shortage in Scotland is well-known, which is one of the reasons we are pleased to support this innovative approach to place-based investment. By de-risking housing investment for charities, we are enabling them to grow their stock and support those who are experiencing homelessness and other housing needs. I encourage the relevant charitable organisations to apply.' Final Call – How to Apply Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Charities must submit their applications by the end of 2025, with all loan agreements signed by 31 March 2026. SASC recommends starting discussions 3–6 months in advance to allow adequate time for due diligence and structuring. Funds can be drawn down after the agreement date if needed. SASH II is available to charities providing supported housing to Scotland's most disadvantaged individuals, including those affected by homelessness, domestic abuse, substance misuse, involvement with the justice system, or transitions from care. SASC is a member of the Commission for More Homes Scotland, a national initiative focused on delivering social investment solutions to address Scotland's housing challenges, which has become increasingly urgent in the face of growing demand for supported housing.
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."
