Very good inspection highlights positive impact of Hillcrest Futures’ Edinburgh and Glasgow services
Hillcrest Futures’ Edinburgh and Glasgow homelessness services have achieved ‘Very Good’ ratings in key areas following a recent unannounced inspection by the Care Inspectorate.
The services, including Dryden Street, Gilmour’s Close, Mayfield Road, Mental Health Outreach, Portman Street and Queen Mary Avenue, support people who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness, helping them work towards stable housing and improved wellbeing.
Feedback from people using the services was very positive. Individuals said staff were respectful, professional and genuinely caring, with many highlighting the importance of building trusting relationships. People described feeling listened to and supported at a pace that suited them, which helped them develop confidence and make meaningful progress.
One person shared: “When I first came here, I was pretty withdrawn. As I got to know my keyworker, I developed trust and confidence in them. This was the start of a journey for me; life changed beyond all recognition.”
Inspectors found that support was consistently person-led, flexible and responsive to individual needs. This approach helped people engage with services and achieve positive outcomes, including improved stability.
The services demonstrated a positive impact on wellbeing, with people supported to access health services, community resources and practical help such as budgeting, food provision and daily living skills. Individuals also reported feeling safe and secure within the services.
The staff teams were highlighted as a key strength, with a good mix of experience and a strong focus on professional values. Staff were described as kind, respectful and professional, and were supported through induction, supervision and ongoing training.
Inspectors noted the services’ emphasis on trauma informed practice and reflective learning, including access to group reflective sessions and training to support staff in their roles. The services’ commitment to promoting awareness of Naloxone, an opioid reversing medication, among supported people and their close contacts was also highlighted.
John Booth, Director of Hillcrest Futures, commented: “These are very positive results and it’s encouraging to see the outcomes being achieved across our Edinburgh and Glasgow services. We’re particularly pleased to see the impact of trauma informed practice and reflective learning reflected in the report.
“Our teams are committed to delivering respectful, person-led support, and this inspection highlights the difference that approach is making.”