Glasgow teen 'never had a gift at Christmas' before being referred to homeless charity

A Glasgow teen was shocked to receive his first Christmas gift from a youth homeless charity after struggling with a difficult home life.

James came into contact with the Quarriers just before Christmas after being forced to rely on temporary accommodations and sleeping on friends couches because "home wasn’t a good place”. After moving into his own flat he faced spending the festive season alone.

The 16-year-old, like many youngsters from a difficult background, had missed out on many of life’s most basic joys due to poverty and family instability. One of those joys the charity was able to give him, was his first Christmas gift.

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Julia Cringean, Project Manager for Quarriers Youth Housing Support Services said: “When we told him we had a present for him, he was visibly shocked

"He said: ‘I’ve never had a gift at Christmas'. Knowing that he was finally included, that someone cared enough to make his Christmas special, meant the world to him.”

“Homelessness is horrendous at any time. But for a young person, especially at Christmas, it can feel unbearable.

“Many of the young people we support don’t have a stable family to rely on. At Christmas, that missing family support is felt even more deeply. We want to make Christmas as nice as it possibly can be for them. They need essentials - and they need to feel included in the festive season.”

The Quarriers have now launched their Christmas Appeal to provide a special gift for every young person it supports who is experiencing homelessness. They are calling for Glaswegians to give the gift of Christmas this year and provide dignity and practical support to a young person going through difficult times.

Quarriers Youth Homeless Services, five of which are based in Glasgow city centre, provides support to young people, including those leaving care or at risk of homelessness.

The service aims to provide a person-centred, holistic and multi-disciplinary approach to enable young people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to access appropriate advice/guidance; access and sustain temporary or permanent accommodation safely; improve their quality of life; and be socially included.

Julia continued: “Poverty and homelessness rob young people of a fair start in life, impacting everything from their education to their mental health. Our Christmas Appeal is one way we can bring hope to these young lives, offering gifts that are symbols of care and belonging.”

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