Glasgow Homelessness Network granted £490,705 to help turn lives around

David Ramsey, of Pollok, who was homeless for two years, now helps others in similar situations, working with Glasgow Homelessness Network.

David Ramsey (46), from Pollok, has been instrumental in the work of the Glasgow Homlessness Network (GHN), which aims to prevent homelessness in the Gorbals and Pollok.

GHN has been awarded £490,705 from the National Lottery Community Fund, with part of the funding going towards a ‘community chest’ to support low budget and targeted local ideas.

David found his most challenging times came once he had permanent accommodation in an unfamiliar area.

He was isolated from his family and surrounded by people with addiction issues and his life spiralled out of control.

With the support of GHN David managed to turn his life around.

He began volunteering for GHN in 2014 and has gone on to full-time employment there, delivering the project to help prevent homelessness in Pollok.

He said: “I’m a passionate believer that anyone, with the right support, can overcome problems and, if I can, anyone can.

“It’s also important to remember that it’s much, much easier when the correct support is in place and delivered in such a way that local people are aware of it and want to use it.

“It’s also really important to me that people who have been successful in turning their lives around are able to tell others about their journey, helping those who may still be struggling have the belief that change is possible.”

Maggie Brunjes, chief executive of Glasgow Homelessness Network, said: “All homelessness starts in a community.

“This award connects our expertise on homelessness with the experience of those who live and work locally in two communities – testing together different ways that could prevent people becoming homeless in the first place.

“The National Lottery Community Fund’s forward-thinking approach has been impressive.

“Granting us a ‘community chest’ allows creative use of funding based on local evidence and shared decision-making with people in those communities.

“This is innovative – we can’t wait to get started and to share what we learn along the way.”