Allied Vehicles Trust donates £3,000 to Rock Trust

The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust (AVCT) has generously donated £3,000 to Rock Trust, a dedicated youth homelessness charity in Scotland.

This funding is aimed at supporting Rock Trust’s initiatives to expand their services, enhance housing provision, and introduce their innovative Youth Housing Hub model in Glasgow for the first time.

Rock Trust was established in 1990 following the distressing discovery of young homeless individuals sleeping rough in the graveyard of St. Cuthbert’s Church in Edinburgh. Since then, the organisation has expanded its reach to Glasgow, the Lothians, Perth, and Fife, with a steadfast commitment to eradicating youth homelessness.

In the year 2023 alone, Rock Trust assisted over 1,100 young people in avoiding homelessness or transitioning out of homelessness. One of these individuals is Danny, who sought help from Rock Trust at the age of 16.

Danny had been living with his mother in a strained relationship that escalated to violence. When it became evident that Danny was no longer safe at home, Rock Trust promptly relocated him to a shared flat with other young people and a supportive flatmate.

With the guidance of his support worker, Danny accessed financial aid, engaged in art therapy, and completed an employability course. Rock Trust facilitated not only housing for Danny but also emotional support, skill development, and assistance in transitioning to adulthood.

Reflecting on his experience with Rock Trust, Danny expressed, “I am more free, I’m happier, and I’m treated like an actual person. I’ve been given opportunities to do stuff and meet new people.” Danny credits Rock Trust for helping him become a better person and improving his relationship with his mum.

The charity operates on three key strategic pillars: prevention, increasing housing availability, and ensuring future opportunities for young people.

Calum Wright, Trusts and Grants Fundraising Lead at Rock Trust, stressed the urgent need for their work in light of Scotland’s housing crisis, particularly affecting young people. He emphasised the importance of accommodation, support, education, and employment in breaking the cycle of homelessness.

Thanks to supporters like the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, Rock Trust can empower more young individuals to avoid, overcome, and move on from homelessness permanently.

This donation from AVCT is pivotal in furthering Rock Trust’s mission to address youth homelessness amidst financial challenges, reduced statutory funding, and intense competition in fundraising efforts.

David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, expressed solidarity with Rock Trust, acknowledging the harsh reality of homelessness for many young people. He affirmed the company’s pride in aiding Rock Trust’s essential work in providing immediate support and building a stable future for those in need.

Facenna stated, “We are proud to support Rock Trust in their vital work to provide immediate and effective assistance to those in need and to help them build a stable future. Our contribution aims to ensure that more young people have access to safe housing and essential ongoing support to rebuild and lead healthy, independent lives.”