What does 50 years of unwavering dedication look like? It looks like hope, community, and countless lives transformed! Blue Triangle just celebrated its golden anniversary, marking half a century of incredible work tackling homelessness in Ayrshire. From lively BBQs to heartfelt speeches, it was a true community celebration. How much social impact can one charity make?

Blue Triangle, a leading charity dedicated to addressing homelessness, recently commemorated its remarkable 50th anniversary with a vibrant community celebration at its Chalmers Court service in Ayrshire. This significant milestone underscores five decades of unwavering commitment to supporting individuals and families facing housing insecurity, marking half a century of profound social impact and community development across Scotland.

The celebratory event was officially inaugurated by South Ayrshire Provost, Iain Campbell, who joined staff, supported individuals, and special guests in recognizing the charity’s enduring legacy. Attendees were treated to an afternoon filled with joy and reflection, featuring captivating live performances by local artist Annastaisyar, alongside heartfelt speeches from both dedicated staff members and those whose lives have been positively transformed by Blue Triangle’s vital homelessness support services. A lively BBQ and engaging karaoke sessions fostered a warm, inclusive atmosphere, bringing everyone together in a spirit of shared accomplishment and community celebration.

Among the distinguished guests pictured at the anniversary gathering were Head of Service Delivery Adele McSorley and Blue Triangle Assistant Manager at Chalmers Court, Lian Highet, standing proudly with Provost Campbell. MSP Siobhian Brown also graced the occasion, engaging in meaningful conversations with staff and supported individuals in the tranquil courtyard garden, gaining firsthand insight into the profound impact of the Ayrshire services within the local community.

Since its inception five decades ago in Glasgow, Blue Triangle has steadily grown its presence and capacity, evolving into a pivotal force in the fight against homelessness. The charity now operates extensively across Ayrshire, offering essential assistance to people who are homeless or at significant risk of losing their homes, empowering them to construct more stable and promising futures. Its expansion over 30 years has seen the establishment of additional vital sites, including Bank Street and Whatriggs Road in Kilmarnock.

Today, Blue Triangle boasts a network of over 30 services spanning 10 local authorities, consistently providing safe, secure housing and personalized 24/7 support to over 400 vulnerable people daily. This comprehensive support encompasses a diverse range of individuals, including young people, families, and those on a journey of recovery, highlighting the charity’s broad and inclusive approach to social care.

Central to Blue Triangle’s success is its trauma-informed approach, which forms the bedrock of its support framework. This methodology is designed to help individuals move beyond the immediate crisis of homelessness by systematically addressing underlying challenges such as mental health issues, addiction, financial hardship, and relationship breakdowns. By tackling these complex factors holistically, the charity facilitates genuine, long-term stability and well-being for those it serves.

Lian Highet, Assistant Service Manager at Chalmers Court, articulated the sentiment of the day, emphasizing the special significance of acknowledging Chalmers Court’s achievements while celebrating alongside staff and supported people. This year marks a monumental period for Blue Triangle, not only with its 50th anniversary but also with the recent launch of its podcast, a new initiative aimed at further reducing stigma and amplifying the stories that powerfully illustrate the profound impact of their ongoing work.

The Ayrshire event, held on August 22, represents one of several significant gatherings orchestrated nationwide to commemorate Blue Triangle’s 50th year. Earlier this year, the charity received significant recognition, being named Charity of the Year at the 2025 SCVO Scottish Charity Awards, a testament to its widespread positive influence across Scotland and its unwavering dedication to the most vulnerable members of society.