The launch event took place at the Watson Street Community Hub in Motherwell and brought together council services, housing partners and community organisations to highlight the shared commitment to tackling homelessness.

The programme supports the aims of the proposed Housing (Scotland) Bill 2025, which plans to introduce new ‘Ask & Act’ duties for public services across Scotland. These duties encourage organisations to ask about a person’s housing situation earlier and act before homelessness becomes a crisis.

Councillor Michael McPake, convener of Housing at North Lanarkshire Council, said: “NL Reach will focus on strengthening partnership working across our services and local organisations, helping our staff identify early warning signs and connect people with practical support as quickly as possible.

“Preventing homelessness is about stepping in early, listening to people and making sure support is available.”

NL Reach (North Lanarkshire Responsive, Empowering, Accessible, Community Hub) is one of only 15 pilot projects selected across Scotland through the Scottish Government-backed ‘Ask & Act’ programme, delivered by Advice Direct Scotland. More than 65 applications were submitted nationally, with North Lanarkshire chosen as the only pilot project across Lanarkshire.

Stephen Llewellyn, depute chief executive of North Lanarkshire Council, added: “Tackling homelessness is a priority for us, and this programme strengthens the work already happening across our communities every day. By working together, we can help people stay in their homes, reduce hardship and make a genuine difference to individuals and families across our area.”

This pilot work is funded through the Homelessness Prevention Pilot Fund, administered by Advice Direct Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Former housing secretary Màiri McAllan commented: “We are determined to end homelessness – and the best way to do this is to prevent homelessness in the first place. This investment in prevention pilots will help us test and scale up innovative approaches to help people stay in their homes.”

The NL Reach programme forms part of North Lanarkshire Council’s wider work to prevent homelessness, support vulnerable residents and create stronger, more resilient communities.