UK Bill Help

Anyone under the age of 26 that needs help with their housing or that is threatened by an eviction can turn to Rock Trust. The charity offers support to young people that are local to Edinburgh or West Lothian from the schemes they provide.

If the client is in a home, or is just moving in, then the Rock Trust Gateway and Mainstay services may be able to assist. This is only offered in the city of Edinburgh though, so applicants need to be local to that area. The assistance is provided even if the applicant does not live in one of the properties run by Rock Trust.

There is help for people setting up their own home from the Gateway scheme. The team at the agency will help address all the needs they have, whether it is furniture for the new flat or information on how to maintain the tenancy agreement. The housing advice is ongoing and will last for up to 6 months if the budget allows for it.

Gateway has partners such as Move On, The Edinburgh Salvation Army and also Bethany. They all partner to assist the person as they work to improve their independent living skills.

Mainstay is for young people currently living in a flat. Rock Trust wants to keep them in their home and prevent future homelessness. If the tenant needs help, whether in addressing a rent arrears or assistance in mediating with a landlord, then those services are provided. The support is aimed at stopping evictions.

Up to 3 nights of emergency accommodations are provided from the Nightstop scheme. They are a key partner of Rock Trust. The shelters are for young people only, and are offered in partnership with West Lothian as well as City of Edinburgh councils.

Nighstop will allow the young person to move into the home of a charity or private individual in the region. There are generous members of the community who participate to provide these accommodations. The aim is to keep the young person safe and off the street.

Rock Trust will partner with the client during the stay. They will give the client time to access support or maybe apply for council schemes, such as deposit help from bonds or others. The 3 days will allow time to find more long term or even permanent home for the young person.

Housing for up to 2 years is part of Bedrock. There are flats, some that are fully furnished, that people can rent from Rock Trust. Most of the homes are one bedroom. Bedrock also relies on the councils to help develop the clients skills.

For those tenants that are eligible, they can stay in a Bedrock home for up to 2 years, if they continue to meet programme terms. They will need to pay the rent weekly, save money for a future deposit, and go through a key work process. All of this needs to be done so the client can gain future stability.

No matter the schemes being applied to, applications can be done in many ways. Rock Trust will accept them by email, phone, or post. Of course they can also be done by dropping in. The address is 20 Grampian Court, Beveridge Square, Livingston, Edinburgh, Scotland EH54 6QF, or call 0131 557 4059.