Top bands tell Shelter what song reminds them of home

Housing charity Shelter Scotland has launched an exciting new summer campaign - Hometime Scotland - to keep the pressure on politicians to ensure everyone has a home by 2012. [1]

Scotland's young people think tackling homelessness is the second most important priority for the Scottish Parliament [2] but the recent budget gave less than 20% of the additional money required to meet Scotland's housing needs, making meeting the 2012 target even more of a challenge.

With the help of some well-known bands and musicians, Shelter is urging young Scots to support Hometime Scotland by logging onto the campaign website www.hometimescotland.org.uk and telling Shelter what song reminds them of home. 

Indie-pop sensation The Wombats, DJ Calvin Harris, rock band Idlewild and Glasgow group The Haze are among those to have already signed up to the campaign. They have revealed what song reminds them of home and are sporting the iconic campaign T-shirt designed by emerging label, Staunch.

The Wombats: 'Harvest Moon by Neil Young - it reminds me of home because my Dad always had it on in the house and it’s really uplifting and comforting.'

Calvin Harris: 'Too Young to Die by Jamiroquai - it was the first record I ever bought and I have vivid memories of crouching down in front of my Mum's tape player in Dumfries to listen to it.'

Hometime Scotland kicked off at T in the Park and will be at Scottish music festivals [3] throughout the summer where music lovers can also register their support.

James Jopling, head of campaigns, Shelter Scotland, said the charity would be taking the responses to politicians later in the year.

He said: 'Young people very often struggle to find decent, affordable housing. But having a good home provides the start in life that young people need.

'We have the best legislation in Western Europe but we need to remain focussed on that target and ensure we meet it. We're calling on Scotland's young people to help us push to make sure we deliver on giving everyone not just the right to a home by 2012, but also the keys to one.'

Scottish retailer Schuh, The Skinny magazine, and Glasgow based CPL Entertainment have partnered with Shelter Scotland and pledged their support of Hometime Scotland.

Notes to editors 

1. By 2012 all unintentionally homeless people should have access to a permanent home, under Scottish legislation. Currently, only people designated to be in 'priority need' - generally families with children - have the right to permanent homes. All others have access to only temporary accommodation and support. By 2012, there will be no distinction and everyone will have the right to a home.
2. Research carried out by NCH Scotland & Young Scot.
3. The charity will be at the Wickerman Festival and Belladrum Tartan Heart festival, with others in the pipeline.

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