Thursday June 11th 2026
Photo by Adian Swancar
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Youth homelessness in the Scottish Borders has almost doubled over the last five years, according to a new report.
Data shows an increase in homeless clients aged 16-24 from 94 in 2021/22 to 178 in 2025/26.
Officers from Scottish Borders Council’s Homeless Service have joined the weekly social work huddle in the Hawick locality to discuss and agree a joint approach to homelessness prevention for vulnerable young people.
Links have also been established with Hawick High School, which is hosting regular meetings attended by officers to engage with young people and discuss housing related issues.
Work is also underway to strengthen engagement with Scottish Borders Youth Hubs, exploring opportunities to support the work they are doing with vulnerable young people at a local level.
Meanwhile, housing advice and homelessness workshops are being developed in collaboration with these organisations.
The report states: “This work aims to identify young people at risk of homelessness early and ensure homeless prevention, support, and advice are readily available.”
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