The Rock Trust

The Rock Trust is a charity that works in Edinburgh and West Lothian with homeless and socially excluded young people between the ages of 16 and 25 years. The Trust’s aim is to provide opportunities for young people to develop the personal, social and practical skills, as well as the sense of self worth necessary for independent adult life.

The Rock Trust was established in 1991 by a group of churches in Edinburgh who wished to do something practical for young homeless people. It was set up as a charity seeking to alleviate the homeless problem in Scotland while at the same time raising awareness of the issue. The Rock Trust is a charity that works in Edinburgh and West Lothian with homeless and socially excluded young people between the ages of 16 and 25 years. The Trust’s aim is to provide opportunities for young people to develop the personal, social and practical skills, as well as the sense of self worth necessary for independent adult life. The Mickel Fund has been a substantial supporter of the Rock Trust since its inception in 1991. The Founder of The Mickel Fund Douglas Mickel was passionate about helping people who were less fortunate than him. Douglas owned a flat in Edinburgh, which he allowed the Rock Trust to use in supporting young homeless people. When this property become unsuitable for their needs he sold the property and bought two more properties in Edinburgh that again he allowed the Rock trust to use for free.

It is a credit to Douglas that his vision and dedication has been passed to his decedents and culminated in the setting up of The Mickel Fund through a Trust Deed. Through historically allowing the Rock Trust the use of these two premises The Mickel Fund are committed to supporting the trust on an ongoing basis. The Mickel Fund may be a small charity, however, it has fulfilled Douglas’s dreams and has helped establish and develop the Rock Trust to what it is today.

Tom Byrom from the Rock Trust said "By providing us with residential properties, The Mickel Fund have helped The Rock Trust support many homeless and disadvantaged young people over the years. Offering a stable place to stay is the most important early step in helping people out of homelessness and with the rebuilding of their lives".

www.rocktrust.org