A partnership in action

 City Centre Partnership in Action: Why We Value Simon Community Scotland

At Dallas McMillan, we believe that being a successful business involves being an active and engaged member of our city centre community. This conviction is the foundation of our partnership with Simon Community Scotland, a charity doing tireless, life-changing work to provide safe places, support and hope to people experiencing homelessness.

We didn’t just write a cheque; we took the time to understand the incredible work they do. Our team visited their Glasgow hubs and learned first-hand about the vital role of their Street Team and the accessibility of their 24/7 Helpline. We understood that these services weren’t theoretical, they were an immediate lifeline on our streets.

A Monday Morning That Hit Home

The importance of this partnership became profoundly clear to us just a few weeks ago.

Arriving at the office one Monday morning, our team noticed a young woman sleeping rough in the lane directly behind our building. It was a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many in our city, and we knew we couldn’t ignore it.

Immediately, we knew exactly who to call: the Simon Community Scotland Helpline –  0800 027 7466

Our swift call put their incredible response mechanisms into action. The Simon Community Scotland Street Team was deployed straight away. By the time they arrived, the young woman had moved on, but she had left behind a distinctive pink suitcase containing all her possessions. The Street Team left a discreet card and a note, letting her know that help was available and where to find it.

From Crisis to Care

What happened next highlights the phenomenal coordination of the Simon Community team.

Later that same day, we learned that the young woman had found her way to the Simon Community Access Hub on Argyle and Brown Street—a vital safe haven right in the heart of the city.

At the hub, she was met with compassion and practical support. She was given the opportunity to shower, had a warm cup of tea, received a change of clothing, and, most importantly, had a long, supportive chat with the team. Meanwhile, the Street Team retrieved her suitcase from our lane and ensured all her belongings were reunited with her at the hub.

We later discovered that she had been fleeing a violent situation. Thanks to the rapid action, initiated by our team’s call, Simon Community Scotland was able to get her safely accommodated and off the streets that same afternoon.

More Than a Donation: It’s Direct Impact

This experience reinforced to every single person at Dallas McMillan why our partnership with Simon Community Scotland is so important.

It’s not just about supporting a cause; it’s about being prepared to be the vital link that connects someone in urgent need with immediate, professional support. Our small act—making a phone call—combined with their expertise, resulted in a vulnerable person being swiftly moved from danger to safety.

We are immensely proud to be partners with Simon Community Scotland and encourage all local businesses to learn about the incredible work they do. By understanding their services, we can all become better advocates and help ensure that when a crisis hits, there is a clear, compassionate path to safety.

If you see someone sleeping rough, please call the Simon Community Scotland 24/7 Helpline at  0800 027 7466

 

Beyond the Boardroom: How Local Partnerships Make a Real Difference on Our Streets

At Simon Community Scotland, we believe that tackling homelessness and supporting those in crisis requires a community-wide effort. While national campaigns are vital, it’s the strength of our local partnerships right here in Glasgow and Edinburgh city centres that often makes the most immediate and profound difference to individuals experiencing homelessness.

We’re incredibly grateful for the support of many local businesses who truly embed themselves in understanding our work, and today we want to shine a light on one such partnership with the wonderful team at Dallas McMillan Solicitors.

A Partnership That Hits Home

Dallas McMillan isn’t just a supporter; they’ve become an advocate. Their team took the time to visit our hubs in Glasgow, meet our dedicated staff, and understand the critical role our Street Team and 24/7 Helpline play in responding to urgent situations. This direct insight proved invaluable, as they recently experienced the reality of homelessness on their own doorstep.

One Monday morning, the Dallas McMillan team arrived at their office to a sight no one wants to see: a young woman sleeping rough in the lane behind their building. Immediately, they knew what to do. Remembering their visit and our services, they called our helpline. 

Our Street Team was dispatched immediately. Though the young woman had moved on by the time we arrived, she had left behind a distinctive pink suitcase, holding all her worldly possessions. Our team left a discreet card and a note, letting her know we were there to help, should she return or need support.

From Street to Safety: The Power of Connection

Later that day, we discovered she had made her way to our Access Hub on the corner of Argyle and Brown Street. This is exactly why these city-centre hubs are so vital – they are a beacon of hope and a safe haven, often just a short walk away for someone in crisis.

At the Access Hub, our team provided immediate comfort and practical support: a much-needed shower, a warm cup of tea, and a change of clean clothing. Crucially, they offered a listening ear and had a long, supportive chat. Meanwhile, our Street Team circled back to collect her pink suitcase and safely brought all her belongings directly to her at the hub.

The young woman shared her story with our team, revealing she had been fleeing a violent situation. Thanks to the rapid response – initiated by Dallas McMillan’s call – and the seamless coordination between our Street Team and Access Hub, we were able to get her safely accommodated later that very same day.

Why Local Partnerships Matter More Than Ever

This incident powerfully illustrates why local city centre partnerships are so critical:

• Rapid Response: Local teams can act quickly when every minute counts.

• Direct Impact: Support translates directly into safe spaces, warm meals, and vital connections.

• Community Awareness: When local businesses understand our work, they become extra eyes and ears, knowing exactly how to connect someone in need with the right help.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Dallas McMillan Solicitors for their active support, quick thinking, and profound understanding of the work we do. Their partnership truly helps us to ensure that when someone is facing the toughest of times, they are not alone.

Could your company help to support our work? Drop me an email via murray.easton@simonscotland.org if you would like to arrange a chat and a visit to one of our city centre hubs.