Since 2001 East Lothian Council has been involved in a pioneering project to provide Housing Education in the county's schools. The project won an award for innovation in 2002. It is run in conjunction with the Bridges Project, Haddington Citizens Advice Bureau, the Royal Bank of Scotland  and the energy efficiency advice agency, Changeworks.

Housing staff teach secondary pupils about homelessness and advice is given on leaving home safely.  The work is seen as an important element of the Council’s drive to reduce homelessness in East Lothian.

HEP was established as a natural progression from the ‘Leaving Home’ booklet and snapfax devised by senior pupils at Ross High School, Tranent which were launched in June 2001. These won the Chartered Institute of Housing National Award for Social Housing later that year.

Since its inception new materials have been and continue to be developed. The aim is to simplify teaching methods for housing staff whilst providing a more entertaining and informative experience for pupils. Recent additions to the materials, which are delivered via a PowerPoint presentation, include video clips of interviews with homeless people.

Presentation materials, together with associated documentation are available to view for ELC staff on the Squirrel Drive (SWH on squirrel/Housing/Housing Education).

In the box opposite you will find a variety of articles from newspapers and magazines, together with some information sheets about the work of the HEP

Council staff wishing to take part in the Housing Education Project should contact Nicky Sandford in Strategic Development and or Mike Lloyd in the Service Development Team (x7816). All other enquiries should be directed to: Gillian Cowell, the Housing Education Coordinator.