‘Mediation is key to tackle homelessness’

THOUSANDS of young people could be spared the trauma of homelessness if more investment was made in mediation services, according to a Capital-based charity.

Edinburgh Cyrenians said an investment in mediation to repair relationships and help young people stay with their families would also result in financial savings in the long run, by reducing the cost of support services needed by the homeless.

Tam Baillie, Scotland’s commissioner for children and young people, said: “Young single people are those most likely to become homeless, usually because their relationship with their family has broken down – yet with the right support many of these breakdowns are preventable.

“We know how important it is to young people’s mental wellbeing and life chances to have a stable and secure place to call ‘home’.

“This report challenges policy makers and local authorities and other service providers to properly support troubled families to prevent homelessness.”

The report, called Mediation and Homelessness Prevention in Scotland, was written by the Edinburgh Cyrenians’ Amber Mediation Service.