It is with great pleasure that we announce that in 2023, Westwater Advocates will be supporting Bethany Christian Trust, a charity that serves people who are homeless and those at risk of homelessness throughout Scotland.
Nathanael Smith, Community Fundraising Team Lead, said “Bethany are incredibly grateful to be chosen by Westwater Advocates as their Charity Partners for 2023. It’s an ideal partnership, given that they also work in areas such as housing and homelessness. It’s a great year for it, too – Bethany turns 40 in 2023!”
“Bethany Christian Trust began in 1983 as a grassroots organisation meeting local needs in Leith, working with men and women who were struggling with substance and alcohol abuse, and providing accommodation for people who were sleeping rough. Bethany Christian Centre, the residential unit founded then, is still operational and changing lives to this day. Since then, the charity has grown to serve over 7,000 people each year in communities throughout Scotland. Our vision is simple: we are ending homelessness in Scotland, one person at a time.”
“Bethany tackles the issue of homelessness in Scotland with three approaches. Our Crisis Intervention services help people when they have become homeless, with emergency accommodation, residential units and guidance to find longer term solutions. Secondly, Housing and Support provide tenancies for people ready to take the next step, with ongoing mentorship to help them live independently. Finally, our Homelessness Prevention teams work in local communities to combat the causes of homelessness such as loneliness, poor mental health, addiction and unemployment.”
“The current economic crisis has disproportionately impacted people who were already struggling; we are already noticing a marked increase in the need for our services. That’s why the support of Westwater Advocates and others is so important to us in 2023. It’s our privilege to serve the people of Scotland and to see lives changed for the better. We’re grateful that Westwater Advocates are joining us in that mission.”
Westwater Advocates Stable Director Janys Scott KC said “Westwater is delighted to be able to support Bethany Christian Trust as our chosen charity. Members of Westwater work in the area of housing law and so have an awareness of the serious issue of homelessness. This is one small way we can express our concern.”
