SCOTMID Co-operative is funding a new community hub for the homeless in Edinburgh.

The hub is an initiative from Social Bite – the social enterprise sandwich shop, which employs homeless people. The aim of the project, based in Granton, is to help residents tackle issues that have troubled them in society and allow them to find a career as well as adding a fresh social housing offering.

The village’s community hub will create a communal space for residents to relax and engage with one another during their journey back into society after living in the Social Bite Village.

A key component of the project will enable residents to learn ‘life skills’ such as money management guidance and cooking lessons, as well as provide a place to socialise and meet with mentors to help get their life back on track.

Scotmid CEO John Brodie said: “This is an incredibly important initiative and, as soon as we were made aware of it, Scotmid was keen to help wherever possible.”