SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust funds three new initiatives

The SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust has awarded funding to three new initiatives that support its objectives of advancing best practice and education, promoting alternative dispute resolution, and helping individuals access and sustain safe, good quality, and energy efficient homes in the private rented sector.

The funding decisions were made at the Trustees' meeting in December, following a review of the latest round of applications.

One grant was awarded to Scottish Mediation, the professional body for mediators in Scotland. The funding will support the delivery of Mediating Skills Workshops for private letting agents and landlords, in partnership with Landlord Accreditation Scotland (LAS), as well as a free mediation service to help resolve disputes between neighbours.

A second grant was awarded to Victim Support Scotland, Scotland's leading charity supporting people affected by crime. The funding will enable a national initiative to strengthen the private rented sector's ability to recognise, respond to, and support victims of antisocial behaviour, including tenants, landlords, and letting agents. The initiative will be delivered through training and awareness resources, referral pathways to specialist support, victim-led mediation, and sector-wide awareness campaigns.

The Trust also awarded funding to One Parent Families Scotland to deliver a holistic support initiative for single parents in Edinburgh who are experiencing, or at risk of, housing insecurity. The project will provide housing advice alongside wider support and will establish a "Stay and Play" hub where parents and children can connect, build confidence, and access practical help to sustain secure housing.