The event in Edinburgh also included the annual staff conference, where teams from across Rowan Alba met to reflect on the last year of the organisation and share their ambitions for the coming years.

The charity’s work is even more vital, as recent figures indicated a 38% rise in homeless deaths in Scotland, with the biggest change in Edinburgh where deaths rose from 23 to 56.

Rowan Alba’s chief executive Karen Barr met staff and the board at the AGM to present the business plan, which is a key roadmap for the charity from 2026 through to 2031.

She said: “Our AGM and staff conference provide an essential platform to outline Rowan Alba’s next phase of growth as a stronger, more influential charity. We showed how we have expanded our range of services, strengthened our governance and leadership, and created greater financial stability.

“The tireless and dedicated work of our staff and board has helped us build our reputation as one of Scotland’s leading providers of support for people experiencing homelessness, addiction, trauma and multiple disadvantages.

“It was particularly useful to get the recent feedback from our brilliant team as part of the staff survey; this crucial input, particularly from people working in our services, will be used to develop and strengthen how we support our staff to improve the lives of the people we support across Edinburgh. This is particularly important given the recent figures about the tragic rise in homeless deaths in Edinburgh and across Scotland.

“Our new business plan for 2026 – 2031 gives us even greater focus and energy as we work towards growing our range of successful, preventative services which are already taking the strain off the health and social care sectors. Key priorities for the next five years include building on our preventative models of support, creating more high quality accommodation in and around Edinburgh and investing in staff and services to provide positive psychological interventions, support and security for the people we work with.”

Rowan Alba’s strategic plan has set a clear direction for the next five years:

• prevent homelessness and repeat homelessness
• help more people with high quality accommodation
• support and care services including psychological intervention
• invest in people
• strengthen financial resilience
• improve services and properties
• explore opportunities for growth both within and beyond Edinburgh

Well attended by the Rowan Alba team, conference presentations included a reflection on the business plan from chief executive Karen Barr, a Psychology Project report from resident NHS clinical psychologist Sarah Phillips, a Corporate and Community update from Tracey Stewart, corporate & community lead, and closing remarks from chair Calum Wilson.

Mr Wilson said: “Representing and supporting the people Rowan Alba are helping every day in Edinburgh is a real privilege for myself and all the board members. Life can change in an instant and the support, understanding and compassion shown by the Rowan Alba team is invaluable.”

He added: “Homelessness is very real for so many people, and the tailored support Rowan Alba provides to help people on the path to a fulfilling life is essential. The launch of Rowan Alba’s new business plan at the AGM is an important step for the organisation, providing a road map to help the charity continue to consolidate its vital services and grow its support where it is needed throughout Edinburgh.”