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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Kirsty McKenzie

Campaigners protest against closure of James Shields homeless and addiction unit

Campaigners called on the council to reverse the decision to close a south side homeless and addiction project at a demonstration outside the City Chambers.

Groups have demanded the council overturn the move to close  the James Shields project later this month .

(Alasdair Woodburn)

In September, the council's Health and Social Care Partnership notified occupants of plans to close the facility - but failed to inform them where they would be re-homed.

One 19-year-old occupant, who wishes to remain anonymous, previously told Glasgow Live: "There are currently 25 young people in the unit and I know at least 10 of us have no idea where we are going.

"We're terrified of what’s going to happen. Staff have tried their hardest to support us and reduce our anxiety but the truth is they are stressed too because they also have no idea what’s going on.

(Alasdair Woodburn)

"I'm upset, I had high hopes for myself. I was studying my HNC and had to leave college due to this."

The teenager, who has been supported by the project since July last year, says she is terrified that she will be "on the streets" if she is not provided with alternative accomodation.

At the protest on Thursday, rough sleeper Jim, took aim at the lack of help available in the city. He said: "I am homeless, I have no idea where I am going to stay. I don’t really have a clue what to do or where to go or who to speak to. I am just going round in circles."

In a grim statement to the local authority, protesters stood outside the City Chambers with signs reading "From sleeping bag to body bag."

(Alasdair Woodburn)

One chilling message asked: "What is wraparound support? A. Body bag. B. Sleeping bag" alongside another placard which read: "stone cold dead this winter".

A spokesman for Glasgow’s Health and Social Care Partnership told Glasgow Live: "We appreciate that change can be unsettling, however, this will be change for the better. A new, smaller and more modern James Shields Centre will replace the outdated, old building which no longer provides suitable accommodation.

"Ten young people will move into the new facility, which will continue to be run by Quarriers.

"Other young people who need less support will be provided with their own permanent tenancies or temporary furnished flats. Everyone will have alternative accommodation in place before the old building closes."

(Alasdair Woodburn)

Quarriers has advised that the young people involved will be relocated to a new service in Tollcross, in Glasgow's east end.

The charity provides round-the-clock support to service users at James Shields, with the aim of helping them to move on to their own tenancies, as well as employment opportunities.

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