Edinburgh Cyrenians

Cyrenians has two residential communities. The Farm Community is based 10 miles from the centre of Edinburgh in a tranquil, rural location. The City Community is in the vibrant area of Leith about 2 miles from the the city centre. Each community has up to eight residents aged 16-30, who come to live in the communities as a result of being homeless. Their homelessness situation is usually as a result of family relationship breakdown, drug or alcohol issues or a mental health problem. The communities are funded by contributions from Social Work, the local council, residents and charitable donations.

The purpose of the Communities is to provide a safe, stable, community environment for young people (16-30) to live learn and develop together, and we aim to do this by: -

• Providing security, structure and boundaries

• Taking an holistic approach and providing a variety of experiences, including a City and Guilds qualification (Learning Power Awards)

• Enabling the transition into the wider community

Our unique approach to supported accommodation helps young people to develop their skills through training and ongoing support. Over 80% of our young people say that their experience at Cyrenians Communities improved their self-confidence, self-esteem, motivation and ability to manage their own lives.

Both of our Communities are closely linked with our social enterprises, Good Food and the Farm Enterprise, and our Community members are offered the opportunity to volunteer with them.