Housing charity urges Wickerman festival-goers to help support campaign to end homelessness

This weekend's Wickerman Festival will play host to housing charity Shelter Scotland's exciting new summer campaign, Hometime Scotland.

Designed to keep the pressure on the government’s pledge to end homelessness by 2012, the new campaign already has the support of a number of bands and musicians across Scotland including Dumfries and Galloway's very own DJ, Calvin Harris.

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.

As well as Calvin Harris, indie-pop sensation The Wombats, rock band Idlewild, and The Haze have also 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.'

According to a poll [2], Scotland's young people think tackling homelessness is the second most important priority for the Scottish Parliament, but with the recent budget providing less than 20% of the additional money required to meet Scotland’s housing needs, meeting the 2012 targets will be an even greater challenge.

James Jopling, head of campaigns, Shelter Scotland, urged people in Dumfries and Galloway to give their backing to the campaign.

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

'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 young people from Dumfries and Galloway 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.'

Hometime Scotland kicked off at T in the Park but staff and volunteers are looking forward to their visit to the Wickerman Festival this weekend.

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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