Learning from Edinburgh: Exploring Innovative Approaches to Homelessness Support

In May, a delegation from The Welcome Organisation visited Simon Community Scotland in Edinburgh as part of an educational learning exchange focused on homelessness support, harm reduction, and community-based interventions.

The visit provided an invaluable opportunity to explore a range of innovative services operating within a highly integrated support model. Across all areas of Simon Community Scotland’s work, there was a clear commitment to accessibility, relationship-based practice, and flexible support - meeting people where they are and helping them move towards safer, healthier futures.

During the visit, the delegation learned about a broad range of services, including Ask and Act, Housing First, Visiting Homes Workers, Rapid Access Hostels, Streetwork and Outreach Teams, the Harm Reduction Team, the Support Hub, Street Reads, Creating Safer Communities, and Milestone, a new health-focused accommodation model. Despite the diversity of these services, a common thread ran throughout: providing low-barrier access to support that is both practical and deeply rooted in human connection.

Particularly striking were the Streetwork and Harm Reduction teams, whose ability to build trust with people often disconnected from mainstream services was evident. The Edinburgh model successfully combines practical assistance, substance use support, and community engagement without relying on rigid eligibility criteria. Initiatives such as Street Reads, Creating Safer Communities, and harm reduction drop-in services demonstrate how creative and social activities can act as powerful pathways into wider support networks.

The Creating Safer Communities programme and the Milestone project also highlighted the value of a wider systems approach, bringing together homelessness services, community safety initiatives, prevention strategies, and recovery-focused support. This integrated way of working reflects a strong commitment to addressing the complex and interconnected challenges many individuals face.

One of the key lessons from the visit was the importance of combining practical support with meaningful opportunities for engagement. The Edinburgh services demonstrated how creativity, routine, and informal connection can play a vital role in sustaining engagement, particularly for people who have experienced trauma, addiction, or repeated exclusion from services.

Another significant takeaway was the strength of a no wrong door approach. Individuals can access support through whichever route feels safest and most accessible to them, whether through outreach services, community hubs, helplines, or referrals. This flexibility helps reduce barriers and encourages people to seek support when they need it most.

The visit also reinforced the importance of strong multi-disciplinary and multi-agency partnerships. While The Welcome Organisation already works closely with statutory and community partners, the Edinburgh model showcased opportunities to strengthen connections across homelessness, recovery, health, and community safety services, creating more seamless support pathways for those who need them.

For The Welcome Organisation, this learning exchange offered valuable insights that will help shape future service development. In particular, it highlighted the importance of flexible engagement approaches, peer-led activity, and meaningful opportunities that support the whole person in their recovery journey, not only their immediate housing and health needs.

We are grateful to Simon Community Scotland for sharing their expertise, innovation, and experience, and we look forward to exploring how these learnings can strengthen our work and the support we provide across our communities.