L-R: Kirsty Duncan, Rowan Alba Head of Services; Karen Barr, Rowan Alba, CEO;
Kate Campbell MSP; Declan McKiernan, Rowan Alba Registered Manager
Rowan Alba’s CEO Karen Barr, Head of Services Kirsty Duncan, and Registered Manager Declan McKiernan met with Kate Campbell, MSP for Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent at the Peffermill service. Providing long-term supported accommodation for men under 50 with complex needs, who might otherwise be homeless, Peffermill has been run by Rowan Alba since it was opened in 2022.
Karen Barr, CEO of Rowan Alba said:
“We wrote to new MSPs following the May election and were proud to show Kate Campbell MSP around our Peffermill service, after she contacted us. It’s so important for all politicians, especially those who represent communities in and around Edinburgh, where Rowan Alba operates, to find out first-hand about the challenges facing the people we support.”
“By providing stability and the chance to be part of a caring and supportive community, Rowan Alba’s services make a huge difference to people, all of whom are facing support needs due to addictions, and mental health challenges. We’d urge anyone, especially MSPs, MPs and local Councillors to find out how they can advocate for and support organisations like Rowan Alba in the fight against homelessness.”
Kate Campbell MSP for Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent, is also part of Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice, Housing and Local Government Committee.
She talked about her Rowan Alba visit:
“It was so lovely to visit Rowan Alba and see their settled accommodation. It was obvious from residents that they are benefiting from a supportive environment which allows them to thrive and overcome the challenges that resulted in them becoming homeless.
“It was great to hear how positive residents feel about being able to get on with living settled lives. It’s a fantastic service, I just wish we had more accommodation like this for all the people who need it.”