House Projects in Scotland event - March 2024

Posted 22nd March 2024

The National House Project (NHP) welcomed young people and colleagues from across Scotland and partner organisations to their first in-person event ‘House Projects in Scotland: The Promise in Action’ which was held at Trades Hall Glasgow on 21 March.

The House Project approach was established in Scotland in 2020 when, with support from Life Changes Trust, Local House Projects were created in Fife, Midlothian, and East Dunbartonshire. In 2022 Staf reported positively on the approach and in June 2023 the Promise Oversight Report recognised the approach as a ‘Positive example of practical change’ when looking to develop ‘Practical, emotional, and mental wellbeing support for young people to develop the skills needed to live independently.’  The approach in Scotland has continued to develop and across the three Local House Projects there are 105 young people with 61 already living successfully in their first homes.

We were delighted to be joined by Natalie Don, The Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise, Fraser McKinlay, CEO of The Promise Scotland and Heather Coady, an Independent Consultant, who share a passion and commitment to changing the system for people in, and leaving, care in Scotland. Not only did they address the conference but they got to hear from Local House Project staff and young people on how they are working together to improve the way in which young people leave care and how this meets the commitments made in The Promise in 2020.   

Mark Warr CEO said “It was great to have the opportunity to showcase the excellent work taking place in Scotland and we never cease to be amazed by the young people who have not only presented today but also work so hard to make the system better for themselves and others. It was clear from today that young people are loved, safe and respected and moreover have had the support of both fantastic staff and a range of stakeholders including housing providers, who have worked collaboratively to enable young people to succeed. It is always enjoyable coming to Scotland, and I can’t wait to see everyone again at the Kilt Walk in Edinburgh in September.”

Natalie Don, The Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise said:

“I was grateful to have the opportunity to meet and listen to some of the young people and staff who are involved in House Projects Scotland. It’s important to hear their stories and find out how the projects are helping them to take ownership and responsibility for their home, health and wellbeing. Meeting them shows the importance of our ambition for all children to grow up loved, safe and respected so that they can reach their full potential. Keeping The Promise by 2030 will ensure this ambition is turned into a reality for all care experienced children and young people.”