We’re in the process of purchasing five high-quality, one-bedroom flats across Edinburgh, which can be made ready quickly for young people to move in. We already have the keys to three of them, with two further purchases expected to be completed by summer.

The properties will expand our Bedrock programme, our long-running supported accommodation service for young people aged 16-25 affected by homelessness in Edinburgh, delivered in partnership with the City of Edinburgh council.

Gary Neil, Head of Services for Edinburgh and the East at Rock Trust, said: “There is a bottleneck in social housing and temporary accommodation, and the number of people in crisis is increasing as a result. Put simply, there is nowhere for young people to go. 

With the continuing suspension of allocations of social housing until at least March 2027, residents in temporary and supported housing are now facing stays of more than two years while they wait for permanent offers of accommodation.” 

What is Bedrock’s supported accommodation?

Bedrock has been at the heart of Rock Trust’s work in Edinburgh for decades. It gives young people a safe, stable home alongside consistent, one-to-one support to help them build the skills and confidence they need to live independently.

Residents receive practical support with finances, budgeting and benefits, alongside help to access education, training and employment. Most young people live in a Bedrock property for up to two years before moving on to independent housing.

Last year, 94% of Bedrock residents improved their independent living skills.

Some Bedrock properties have been owned by Rock Trust since the 1990s, when they were purchased with philanthropic support. Others are leased from the Council. These five new acquisitions are the most significant expansion of the model in many years, addressing a most urgent need across the city.