Delivered in partnership with Glasgow City Council and construction firm Enevate Homes, children’s charity Barnardo’s Scotland will build five purpose-built “Gap Homes” in the city. These homes are designed to provide affordable, high-quality accommodation within established communities, alongside tailored support from Barnardo’s to help care-experienced young people transition to independent living.

The Gap Homes programme was developed by Barnardo’s in response to the acute shortage of suitable housing and wraparound support for young people leaving care, a gap that significantly increases their risk of homelessness. Glasgow is the latest location to launch a Gap Homes site, joining others already established in Stirling and Renfrewshire.

Elizabeth McShane, UK head of business for Gap Homes at Barnardo’s, said: “We are absolutely delighted to mark the start of the Gap Homes programme in Glasgow. Gap Homes are transformational, having a profound and positive impact on the lives of young people.

“It can be very difficult for young people leaving care to live alone for the first time, especially when it comes to running a home on a limited budget. Gap Homes creates a safe and stable environment in which young people can thrive.

“They are built in established communities and have low running costs. The current housing crisis means that there’s not a lot of available housing, let alone for young people leaving care. The latest Gap Homes development in Glasgow forms part of the fight to tackle the lack of suitable accommodation for care leavers.”

Each resident can live in a Gap Home for up to two years, with flexibility offered to reflect the individual needs of the young people.

The Glasgow development is part of a UK-wide programme made possible by an £18 million donation from the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust, the largest single gift in Barnardo’s history. This funding will support the creation of 50 Gap Homes across the country and help sustain vital services in the North of England.

John Richards, chair of trustees of the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust, which has supported Barnardo’s for more than 60 years, said: “Katherine Martin was a remarkable woman who believed in the power of philanthropy to change lives.

“This significant donation in support of the invaluable work of Barnardo’s in the Glasgow area is a testament to her enduring legacy, forming part of a wider nationally based award. We are privileged to continue her mission of supporting children and young people and are delighted that Barnardo’s will use this gift to provide vital support to those who need it most.

“This gift will directly address a critical need for young people leaving care. We believe that every young person deserves a safe, stable home, and we are proud to support Barnardo’s in their efforts to provide just that.

“Our partnership with Barnardo’s has spanned decades, and by supporting Barnardo’s, we can honour Katherine’s memory and contribute towards a brighter future for generations to come. Together, we can achieve more, and we hope Katherine’s legacy will inspire others to give back and make a difference.”

Additional funding for the Glasgow scheme has come from the Garfield Weston Foundation and The Albert Hunt Trust, which has supported efforts to tackle homelessness since its founding in 1979.

Jane Deller Ray, operations manager at The Albert Hunt Trust, said: “The Albert Hunt Trust recognises the importance of a safe, secure home for young people leaving care and is pleased to support the Gap Homes development in Glasgow which will help to bridge the transition from care to independent living with support from Barnardo’s.”

The homes are being delivered by construction partner Enevate Homes using offsite construction methods to ensure speed, quality, and sustainability.

Gary Mayatt, Enevate’s managing director, said: “At Enevate Homes, we’re proud to partner with Barnardo’s on this meaningful project. By delivering five high-quality Gap Homes through offsite construction, we’re helping to provide young people with safe, sustainable spaces to thrive as they transition into independence.”

Glasgow City Council has welcomed the initiative as a significant step forward in supporting care leavers.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, convener for housing and development at Glasgow City Council, said: “These Gap Homes in Glasgow will be very important for young people moving out of the care system, and will provide a key path towards independent living and a long-term higher quality of life.

“Glasgow City Council works with a wide range of organisations across the city to help meet the different housing needs of people and families, and we are very pleased to be working with Barnardo’s Scotland on the development of these starter homes.”