Last year, the service received outstanding results from the Care Inspectorate, earning a “5 - very good” rating across all evaluated areas. This recognition highlights Riverside Scotland’s commitment to providing exceptional support to families in need.

Building on this success, the expansion will see a third dedicated Housing First for Families officer joining the team later this month to allow the organisation to extend its support to even more families in south-west Scotland.

The service provides direct assistance to households with children who are struggling to maintain their tenancy or have previously experienced homelessness. Riverside Scotland offers permanent, affordable housing as quickly as possible and provides the supportive services and community connections needed to help families maintain their housing and avoid returning to homelessness. The services include financial and employment advice, co-ordination with other agencies, access to health and social care services, and a single point of contact for the household.

Pamela Forrest, head of housing and communities at Riverside Scotland, said: “The service is a lifeline to so many of the families engaged in the project. They wouldn’t be able to sustain their tenancy without this level of intense support. Following our success in Ayrshire, we are absolutely delighted to be expanding the service to provide a single point of contact for our Dumfries tenants where we’ll be supporting 20-25 households in the area.

“I am immensely proud to be delivering this project and in the future I would love to see other housing associations adopt our model and have Housing First for Families running throughout Scotland.”