Scottish hospitality businesses are being encouraged to give people a second chance – and perhaps help someone avoid homelessness – as a charity looks to ramp up its presence in Scotland.
Established in 2018, Only A Pavement Away supports people facing homelessness, prison leavers, and veterans, to rebuild their lives by providing employment opportunities in the hospitality industry.
As of July 2026, the organisation has placed 856 people into employment across the UK.
The charity expanded into Scotland two years ago, in 2024, and has so far placed around 50 candidates into employment north of the border, working with multiple operators as well as independent businesses.
In addition to bridging the gap between these recruits and businesses, the charity also offers ongoing support to candidates and employers alike, including financial assistance and learning and development programmes.
As well as employer partners, Only A Pavement Away is also seeking help with fundraising as it looks to broaden its coverage across Scotland.
“Depending on the business, it’s about doing good and giving people an opportunity to have a second chance, because everyone we work with is at risk of homelessness in some capacity, whether they’ve been in prison or have refugee status or whatever it may be,” Katy Doolan, relationship manager (Scotland) told SLTN.
“So whether an employer has a CSR responsibility they want to meet, or whether they just want to give somebody a chance, there’s that aspect to it.
“But in addition to that, they get additional support from us. And the candidates get additional support.
“From our perspective there’s tools and processes we have in place, in terms of that work readiness, that can be attractive to employers, so as well as doing good and giving someone a chance and being inclusive, you’ve got that full wrap-around support from us. And of course, we’re a charity so we don’t charge a fee.”
More information can be found here or by emailing enquiries@onlyapavementaway.co.uk.
