Social Landlords Meet to Share Experience with Social Enterprises in North Glasgow

ng homes and Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) are sharing best practices when it comes to regeneration and community initiatives, enabling both associations to develop their strategies and priorities in the future.

Recently, PoLHA visited ng homes to learn about their social enterprise ng2 and its approach to social enterprise in North Glasgow.

The Association was given an overview of Saracen House, a new business centre where ng homes have offices, followed by a tour of Saracen Street where PoLHA heard how the street had changed due to the new business and health centres constructed on previously derelict land.

In addition, a variety of projects that are making a difference in the area were also highlighted, such as WEEE Recycling, which reuses IT and electrical equipment that businesses and the local community no longer want and Food for Thought, which provides weekly “meet and eat” events held in the Springburn and Possilpark areas. 

Regeneration Manager for ng homes Margaret Layden said: “The variety of projects and services provided in North Glasgow are the result of consultations with residents; focus groups, area committee, boards and community consultations.  We don’t believe in quick fixes, we are always looking at long-term solutions.”

The investment ng homes has made in enclosing the bases of multi-story flats in Balgrayhill to provide new community spaces for residents, and an innovative chute recycling programme at the flats were also showcased.

CEO of ng homes Robert Tamburrini said: “We were delighted to welcome our visitors from PoLHA and to share with them our experiences of running a social enterprise.  What is evident is that we are all working for the benefit of our communities and we look forward to hearing more about PoLHA’s projects when we visit.”

Chairperson of ng2 Margaret Thomson said: “Its always great to share ideas and experience with other housing providers as you can learn something new or a different way of doing things, I am really pleased that our visitors from Port of Leith enjoyed their time in North Glasgow.”

It is planned the North Glasgow based housing association will visit PoLHA to learn about its Training Opportunities in the Lothians (TOiL) programme, which offers paid six-month work training and placements. Established in 2004, it has helped almost 450 young people aged 16 to 24 into work and training.

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of PoLHA, said: “The visit to ng homes was extremely useful in terms of the wide range of activities ng2 is currently involved in across North Glasgow. In addition, the steps taken to set up the community initiatives and the positive outcomes they have achieved are something we are going to consider.”