Conversations highlighted as 'life-saving' for vulnerable people

Euan Brock - a support and development worker at the charity Social Bite - has said 'conversation and inclusion is hugely important' ahead of the event on Sunday, April 28.

Social Bite's Pay It Forward scheme aims to provide hot food and drinks to thousands of people in need - which Brock has also said can prove 'crucial in developing trust and providing a sense of inclusion for people who may have experienced traumatic events'.

The caring man has been part of the charity that provides homes, jobs, food, and support to people experiencing homelessness for three years.

Ahead of the day, Euan has said that the number of people the organisation supports has been rising.

Meanwhile, as part of the Pay It Forward day, Scottish coffee roaster Matthew Algie has donated more than 1,000 coffees to the charity.

The beverages will be provided through the scheme across Social Bite's three Scottish locations in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen.

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Euan said: “The biggest challenge I see at the moment is a shortage of adequate housing across the whole of the UK.

"Toward the end of 2023, Edinburgh and Glasgow declared a housing emergency with more councils following this year.

"This means more people are finding themselves homeless and declaring it with councils, but there is a lack of permanent and temporary homes, as well as hotels/B&B and emergency accommodation leaving people with no option but to sleep rough or sofa surf with friends or family if they are able to. 

“The Pay it Forward scheme can support someone by providing food and drinks, but it also allows us to build a trusting relationship with people accessing the service and then can go on to support them going forward. 

“Conversation and inclusion is hugely important in society and a major part of Social Bite."

He added: "Isolation and loneliness are silent killers and research suggests it can be as damaging to someone's health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

"Through Social Bite and Pay it Forward we can welcome people with a smile, a hot meal, and a simple ‘How are you today?’ – it can make someone's day that hasn't spoken to anyone and been ignored on the street.

"A simple ‘How are you?’ can save lives.”

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Mel Swan, Social Bite’s Commercial and Operations Director, said: “Pay It Forward is part of the fabric of Social Bite. Food and drink help people at their most vulnerable and lead to other support towards a more stable position in life.

"It all starts by talking.

“Matthew Algie’s donation of 1,000 cups of coffee will help hundreds of people across Scotland in the coming weeks.

"Each one offers the possibility of connection and building a relationship that can help someone experiencing homelessness get the support they need. 

“Paying it forward is a small act that can mean a lot and brighten someone’s day. It also plays a big part in our ultimate goal of ending homelessness.” 

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The Pay It Forward Scheme has proved a 'gateway' to thousands of people accessing support with housing applications, benefits applications, and other support services they are entitled to, as well as referrals into Social Bite's Jobs First programme.

Paul Chadderton, Managing Director at Matthew Algie, said: “Social Bite tirelessly works to address one of Scotland’s most pressing issues, homelessness, and is one of our most important partners.

"This donation will help kick off conversations that can make a difference, as well as providing a moment of enjoyment at a difficult time for those the charity supports.

“More importantly, we want to highlight the importance of Paying It Forward to people across Scotland.

"A small gesture can make a huge difference to those who need it most.”