In 2026, The Marie Trust received government funding for a pilot project delivered in partnership with Govan Law Centre.

The pilot extends support into additional mental-health hospital settings and provides training and guidance to clinical staff as Scotland prepares to implement new homelessness-prevention responsibilities.

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 introduced “Ask and Act” duties for relevant public bodies, including health boards, requiring earlier identification of housing problems and action to prevent homelessness.

How the service helps

Hospital Outreach can support patients with:

• housing-rights advice and advocacy

• benefits assessments and income maximisation

• clothing, toiletries and food vouchers

• emergency grants and household items

• referrals to counselling, education, legal advice and community support

Impact since launch

Since the service launched in late 2023:

371
patients have been supported

128
patients had no fixed abode when referred

£688,921.59
has been secured in financial support for patients

The expansion allows The Marie Trust to reach more people while they are already in contact with health services, helping identify housing problems earlier and coordinate support before they become a crisis.