This summary is based on Rock Trust’s full Manifesto for the upcoming Scottish Parliamentary Elections, to be held on Thursday 7 May, 2026. It has also been designed for accessibility, so please use our website’s inbuilt accessory tools (the small pink icons in the bottom-left corner of your screen!) for translations, bigger text, a screen reader and more.

You can also read our full Manifesto here.

Why this matters

No young person should have to worry about where they’re going to sleep.

But in Scotland today, thousands of young people are dealing with homelessness, unsafe housing, or the risk of losing their home. This often happens at key moments in their lives — when family relationships break down, when they leave care, when school ends, or when support just isn’t there.

Too often, help comes after things have already gone wrong.

Rock Trust believes youth homelessness is preventable. With the right support at the right time, young people can stay safe, supported, and able to build the futures they want.

That’s why we’ve created this manifesto — to explain what needs to change.

We want to hear from you!

This manifesto isn’t just for politicians. It matters what you think about it too.

After you’ve read the Manifesto, we would like to know:

• Does this reflect your experience?
• What feels right — and what doesn’t?
• What support or advice would have helped you earlier?

Your voice matters. And real change only happens when people listen.

What Rock Trust is calling for in this Manifesto

We are asking the next Scottish Government to take action in four key areas:

1. Homes that work for young people

Having a home isn’t just about having a roof over your head.

Young people need housing that feels safe, stable, and suited to their stage of life. Too often, housing systems are designed for adults and don’t recognise the support young people might still need.

We are calling for:

• More housing options designed specifically for young people
• Support alongside housing, not just a tenancy handed over
• Fair access to private renting, without barriers that push young people out

A home should be a place to grow, not another source of stress.

2. Support before crisis

Most youth homelessness doesn’t come out of nowhere.

It often starts with problems at home, money worries, mental health struggles, or feeling like there’s nowhere to turn. If support is offered early, homelessness can often be avoided altogether.

We are calling for:

• Help to be available before things reach breaking point
• Support in schools and communities
• Access to youth work and trusted adults who listen and help early

Getting help early should be normal — not something you only get in crisis.

3. Better support when leaving care

Leaving care should be a step towards independence — not homelessness.

Care-experienced young people often face sudden changes, pressure to cope alone, and a lack of stable housing or support. This puts them at much higher risk of homelessness.

We are calling for:

• Guaranteed housing and support for care leavers
• Time to transition gradually into adulthood
• Ongoing support into your mid-twenties, not a sudden cut-off

Care leavers deserve the same chances and security as everyone else.

4. Real opportunities for the future

Housing stability is important — but it’s not the whole picture.

Homelessness can disrupt education, training and work. Without the right support, it can be hard to plan for the future or feel hopeful about what’s next.

We are calling for:

• Fair access to education, training and jobs
• Support to overcome barriers caused by homelessness
• Opportunities that recognise young people’s potential, not their past

Everyone deserves the chance to build a future they’re proud of.

Why Rock Trust is doing this

Rock Trust has been supporting young people for over 30 years.

Every year, we work alongside hundreds of young people to help them avoid homelessness, find safe housing, and build confidence, skills and independence. We also work nationally to push for changes that make the system fairer and more supportive.

This manifesto is shaped by:

• Young people’s lived experience
• The knowledge of frontline workers
• What we know actually works