BETHANY CHRISTIAN TRUST AND EFFECTIVENESS AWARD

<p>That this House congratulates Bethany Christian Trust, a homeless charity based in Edinburgh that engages volunteers to help people successfully make the transition from homelessness to independent living, on receiving one of the most prestigious accolades awarded at the UK charity sector Charity Awards 2011; acknowledges that Bethany was the only Scottish charity to win an award; commends Bethany's Passing the Baton initiative that seeks to address the issue of repeat admissions to its hostel accommodation as individuals return after failing to sustain their new tenancy, trains volunteers to help individuals build their own social networks and supports them to settle into their new homes and integrate into their local community; pays tribute to Bethany in its receipt of the Effectiveness award; and thanks all its staff, volunteers and supporters for their unstinting commitment in achieving this award.</p>