LOCAL IT provider SoConnect teamed up with charity Rock Trust to highlight the issue of homelessness amongst young people by pitching up a sofa at Tesco Extra in Galashiels on Saturday morning.

Rock Trust is using its 30th anniversary year to make the invisible nature of youth homelessness visible with a series of similar events throughout the country.

The charity work with young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and aim to support them have the future they deserve.

Karin Moroney SoConnect Customer Accounts Manager added: “The Rock Trust have been customers of ours for three-years and I was aware of similar events in more well-known areas of Scotland so I suggested coming to the Borders. Tesco in Galashiels agreed to allow us to set up the sofa and stalls at the entrance to the store.

"The day went really well after a slow start. We got a great response and made some very good connections including the minister of the Gala Baptist Church and spoke to many customers.

"One girl from the Borders who had been homeless told us that it took her along time to find out where to get help. One man and his wife and family who stay in a great big house is now considering 'fostering' a young person until they get on their feet. 

"It's been a real eye opener. It's shocking, you wouldn't expect to see the numbers sleeping on sofas in affluent parts of the Borders amongst young people who are already in a vulnerable place staying with friends or friends of friends."

Rock Trust Assistant Director Gary Neil said: “We want to bust the myth that homeless people are visible and begging on the streets when in fact the vast majority are hidden and so often young people are sleeping on sofas or floors of friends and even strangers which comes with the obvious risks of exploitation and abuse. We are advocating special services for young people and are focussing on preventing them becoming homeless in the first place. Homelessness is an issue that affects one in four young people and if you look at the figures they are massively over represented.

“Today’s event is about education and raising awareness of the issue and getting people interested. Changing someone’s perception is more valuable than putting £10 in a bucket.