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FocusAutumn 2012
gala day success
Queens Cross Housing Association magazine
see the pictures on page 3
welfare reformhow benefit changes will affect youPage 9
our Agmtenant involvement takes a leap forward
Pages 10-11
2 welcome
welcometo our new look tenant magazine
Main Offi ce: 45 Firhill Road, Glasgow, G20 7BE Tel: 0141 945 3003
The Courtyard, 2 Westercommon Drive, Glasgow, G20 5PG Tel: 0141 336 3444
Email: [email protected]: www.qcha.org.uk
QC Factoring, Suite 12 – Firhill Business Ctr, 74 – 76 Firhill Road, Glasgow, G20 7BA Tel: 0141 561 1105 Email: [email protected]: www.qcfactoring.co.uk
345
87
9
13
1916-18
20
10-11
12
Contents
getting in touch
Gala Day Success
Your new tenant representatives
Cathy Tracey, 90 years young
Complaints roundup
Performance Stats
Green Space
Award for Woodside Youth Project
Guide to benefi ts changes
Progress at Woodside
Feeling Puzzled
Neighbourhood News
Shine the Light“
Welcome to Focus magazine. Once again, it’s an issue full of news, information and advice that we hope you fi nd entertaining and helpful.We celebrated our best in blooms at the annual Environmental Competition awards at a ceremony in Woodside Halls on 10 September. Gardens, planters, back courts and window boxes – what a difference it makes to our lives when friends and neighbours take the time to make the most of their environment. Thank you to everyone who makes a difference.We celebrated our tenants’ best in blooms at the annual Environmental Competition awards held in Woodside Halls on 10 September. I’ve been overwhelmed by the way our Community Involvement Group members have taken to their role in the past year. We have such great local talent and, by working together, we’ll make all four of our neighbourhoods the best they can be. Our new and existing members are full of energy and, with our Action Plans in place, I’m looking forward to another year of great progress. Find out who represents your area on pages 10 and 11.
With welfare reform on the horizon, it’s important to be informed about how the changes to the benefi ts system may affect you. Our feature on page 9 offers a guide to changes already happening and those expected next year.The photographs of the Gala Day show what a great day out was had by all. Thank you to the staff, tenants, residents and partner organisations who volunteered their time for Queens Cross families.Finally, it was good to meet Thomas Hart, the winner of our magazine name competition. Congratulations, Thomas, and the very best of luck with your photography course.
www.qcfactoring.co.uk
Shona StephenChief Executive
”
Focus magazine would like to apologise to Glasgow City Councillor Pauline Ann McKeever, Scottish Labour
Party. In our summer issue we incorrectly listed Councillor McKeever as a member of the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
• CraigHanson,PropertyInvestmentOffi cer
• FarahTraquair,AdministrationAssistant• ShameenSultan,ReliefHousing
Support Worker• AdrienneCoyne,DetachedYouth
Worker• MoriaCordiner,CustomerServices
Assistant
• IsabellaWiseman,Receptionist/Administration Assistant
• DeniseLove,FinanceOfficer.
staff Changes
best wishesOur best wishes go to Sophia Skinner, Evening Receptionist, who left the Association to take up a new post.
Over the past weeks we welcomed the following staff to the Association:
CorrectionSee
page 7 for
a full list of
councillors.
The ‘Options Appraisal of Woodside’ has explored the ambitions of residents for their homes and their future. Through a series of consultation exercises residents told us how they would like to see the area transformed into a desirable, high quality, vibrant and sustainable community that draws people in and makes them want to stay.
QCHA is already committed to major investment in the Woodside areaand will spend £17million between now and 2016 on works to improve theheating, insulation and ventilation at the deck access flats, and to improve the thermal insulation of the multi storey blocks at Cedar.
Woodside Going ForwardWhat's next .....
St. G
eorg
e’s R
oad
8 1
We have already demonstrated our commitment to bringing improvements by:• Installing additional CCTV cameras to improve safety and security. • Fitting new signage to give a fresh appearance to the deck access
blocks at the entrances, stairs and decks so visitors can find their way more easily.
• Establishing growing spaces with local partner organisations, helped by Council funding of over £25,000.
• Refurbishing under used space at 65 Cedar Street, allowing the Association to deliver services such as welfare rights, money and debt advice to local residents.
• Improved repairs service from our new maintenance contractor.
Transforming the Woodside area is a huge and costly task and the Association is investigating how it can meet some of these aspirations and who it can work with. We are investing to ensure all our homes meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard but we are committed to deliver more. The Association is looking to see how much money can be raised, where and how we can attract grant support for works, and which other organisations might contribute to this project.
‘adapting under-used spaces’
The Woodside Community Involvement Group and the consultation have helped us to understand the priority issues to explore. The Association will consult further with local residents and organisations as funding is identified and ideas develop into proposals.
Leaflet Design:
i’ve been overwhelmed by the way our Community
involvement group members have taken to their role in the past year
3tenants
gala day success!
We’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. What a great day we had at the Association’s annual Gala
Day on Saturday 15 September.The rain stayed away and the crowds came in droves to enjoy four hours of fun, games, fair rides, stalls, stilt walker, music and a whole host of local talent.
Thank you to everyone. We hope you had a great time!
Cathy tracey – 90 years young4 News
•TellySavalas•PatrickMacnee•DenisNorden•KathrynGrayson
•TommyCooper•JackKerouac•KingsleyAmis•JudyGarland
•PhilipLarkin•DrChristiaan
Barnard•VeronicaLake
•CharlesM.Schulz•AvaGardner•StanLee
the world in 1922Cathy was born on 13th September 1922 and shares her birthday year with:
•Thefirstsuccessfulinsulin treatment of diabetes.
•Ulysses,byJamesJoyce,publishedinParis
•Themovie,Nosferatu,released.
•TheBritishBroadcastingAgency (BBC) is formed.
•BenitoMussolinibecomes Prime Minister of Italy.
•HowardCarterandhis team fi nd the
entrance to Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb.
• TheConservativeParty win the General Election.
• TheBritishEmpirecovers a quarter of the world.
1922 was the year of:
the world in 1922
There was a big party on 15th September in Dundasvale Residents Hall when 60 friends and family members came from across the UK to celebrate Association tenant, Cathy Tracey’s, 90th birthday. With 6 children, their grand children, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren surrounding her, Cathy had a great time looking back on her life.
Early yearsBorn Cathy Dawson in Cowcaddens area of Glasgow in 1922, Cathy was baptised in St. Aloysius Church on Garnethill and has stayed in the same area of the city all her life. Her father worked on the railway, her mother stayed at home looking after the large family.Cathy met her husband when he was in the Cameron Highlanders. Introduced by her sister, they married in 1939 when she was only 17. Cathy remembers the Glasgow of the 1930s:“It was rough then. People were poorer - they didn’t have the same things as we do today. We live in luxury now.”
Cathy had a great time looking back on her life.
area of Glasgow in 1922, Cathy was
Garnethill and has stayed in the same
Her father worked on the railway, her mother stayed at home looking after
Introduced by her sister, they married in 1939 when she was only 17. Cathy remembers the Glasgow of the 1930s:“It was rough then. People were poorer - they didn’t have the same things as
Raising a family on her ownSadly, Cathy was widowed at the young age of 35 and says of the years that followed:“It was a struggle. I was told I was too young for a widow’s pension and I was on my own with six children.“I’d had my fi rst boy at Rottenrow Maternity Hospital and something just clicked for me when I was there. I applied for a job and ended up working there for nearly 30 years as anAuxiliaryNurseandjust loved everything about it. It suited me and I loved the babies. It was like a home from home.”“I often wonder how I did cope at the
time but I was a very independent person and I’m still the same. We were all brought up in my family to be independent.”Cathy brought her family up in a house on Dobbie’s Loan where she lived for 23 years. When her family grew up and had families of their own, she moved to Dundasvale Court where she’s been living for 21 years.
It was a struggle. I was told I was too young for a widow’s pension and I was on my own with six children.
“”
A changing cityRationing and raising her young family are Cathy’s clearest memories of living in the city during the Second World War. She lived in Townhead at the time and remembers the air raids and blackouts well.Having lived for so long in one city however Cathy has seen many changes happen around her: “On the bad side, drugs have really got a hold now but on the good side life has got better for lots of people. I’ve got a pension and we get free transport and days out.
“I’ve lost four close members of my family in the past few years and it has been hard but you have to keep going.”Her eyesight needs regular check-ups at Gartnaval Hospital which means she can’t enjoy the same hobbies of reading and knitting as she used to. But she’s still got a lust for life, and enjoys the outings and activities organised by the Dundasvale Residents Association. All in all a life full of change, fi erce independence and coping with what comes your way. A life well worth celebrating.
“It was rough then. People were poorer
Cathy celebrated her birthday
with members of her close family
including great, great grandchildren.
5News
Ancroft street – modern homesin the best tenement tradition
GlasgowCityCouncil’sNoiseService was set up in 2005 to enforce new powers given to local authorities with the creation of the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004.TheNoiseServiceworks7nightsaweek and responds to complaints of noise from one domestic dwelling whichaffectsanother(orothers).Noisecomplaints can be made by residents of Glasgow on 0141 287 6688. Following a visit, if it’s discovered that the noise is excessive, a warning notice can be issued to the noise maker. If the neighbour does not then reduce the noise to an acceptable level, a £100 fi xed penalty notice can be served. In the event a fi xed penalty is not paid, the case will be referred to the Procurator Fiscal (maximum fi ne £1,000) and the noise-making equipment can be removed from the offender’s home if appropriate.To make a noise complaint or fi nd out more,theGCSSNoiseServicecanbecontacted on 0141 287 6688.Visitwww.saferglasgow.com to fi nd out more.
Facts and Figures - Year 2010 / 2011• 2,369homesvisited• 251verbalwarningsissued• 377warningnoticesissued
Promoting NoiseControl
There’s been a fast turnaround on the £1.7m redevelopment of red sandstone tenement fl ats on Ancroft Street and Nansen Street. The fi rst of the 44 new homes – 28 fl ats for social rent and 16 affordable fl ats for sale - are expected to be readyinJanuary2013.Enquiriesfor the fi rst 8 fl ats for sale are being taken now with prices from £90,000.This once very desirable area, just off Garscube Road, had fallen on hard times in recent years with the properties being boarded up in
preparation for demolition. However the Association put together a rescue package with grant funding from the Scottish Government’s Innovation & Investment Fund.A new generation of tenement residents will soon breathe life into the area with tenants and home owners enjoying a highly modern home in a classic Glasgow tenement. The Association will also improve the common back court areas to provide a green and welcoming outlook.Allofthe1/2bedroomflatswillhave
open plan living and dining areas, fully fi tted modern kitchens, double glazing and video door entry system. Shona Stephen, Chief Executive, said:“We’re delighted with the speed of progress on the properties. It means that we’re able to provide even more desperately needed affordable homes and that a small corner of the city will retain its traditional character and heritage.”
www.saferglasgow.com
Interested in buying a property on Ancroft Street? To make an enquiry about owning a property on Ancroft Street, contact Queens Cross Housing Association at 45 Firhill Road by telephone on 0141 945 3003 or by emailing the Sales Team on [email protected]
how did we perform?Informing our tenants, customers and other stakeholders about how well we’re doing against targets set by the Board is a regular feature in our magazine. This information enables our stakeholders to hold us to account. The chart below illustrates our performance, fortheperiodApril2012-June2012,againstsome of the key areas that are important to our tenants.
It’s important to re-let empty properties as quickly as possible as this minimises rent loss to the Association. It is equally important that the quality of our homes meet our minimum lettable standard. A number of empty properties required extensive repair work, taking time to complete, which had an impact on us achieving our target. We have a programme to carry out major works to our properties, which should minimise the number of properties requiring extensive works when they become available to let.
We did not receive all rent money due for the period reported, partly due to when we receive Housing Benefi t. We are working hard to reduce arrears by working closely with tenants and liaising with Housing Benefi t. We provide services and advice to help and support tenants claiming benefi ts as well
as money and debt advice services. Please contact our reception on 945 3003 to make an appointment with our specialist team.
We understand how important it is that we deliver a reliable repairs service to our tenants and residents. We are pleased to report that we have exceeded our targets for completing routine repairs within 5 working days and urgent repairs within 2 working days.Unfortunatelywefailedtocompleteall emergency repairs within our target of 4 hours. To ensure our performance improves, all emergency repairs will be handled by our new contractor P & D Scotland (Ltd) which should result in improved services.
.com
The new homes in Ancroft Street have views across the city.
Target 100 98 97 100 3.5 14
April-JunePerformance 100 98.63 98.72 83.4 4.77 25
AverageGas Routine Urgent Emergency Unpaid timetore-Servicing Repairs(%) Repairs(%) Repairs(%) Rent(%) let vacant(%) Properties
6
Ruby (standing) presents Callum McArthur, Margaret Milne,JaneMackenzie,InaClarkandScottWalkerwiththeir Elementary Food Hygiene Course.
tenants
The course on food hygiene was run by Ruby for Association staff who prepare food for residents or tenants. It covered standards of hygiene, food preparation areas, cleaning and food legislation.The Elementary Food Hygiene Certifi cate
is awarded by The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS). REHIS is an independent Scottish charity whose main objective is to promote the advancement of environmental health.
Cooking by the book
As part of my degree I was given the opportunity to do a placement for one month with an organization and I chose Queens Cross Housing Association.I’ve been fortunate enough to work with the Association’s Community Development Team. Patricia, Richard, Helen, Angela, Tommy and Scott have been amazing colleagues as well a source of constant information. As this was my fi rst ever experience of living and studying outside Pakistan, I was also able to learn a lot about western culture through the placement.Queens Cross is working in an area where it can make a big difference to the lives of many people and there’s no doubt in my mind that the Association’s behind a lot of positive changes in the area. All the Queens Cross initiatives, fromtheGettingtoKnowYousurvey to the summer youth clubs refl ect how concerned the organization is about its tenants. I was fortunate enough to do a little
research about employability for the Association and help them in their goal to bridge the gap between unemployment and employment among local young people.I was really moved by the initiatives that Queens Cross has developed in the Westercommon area of the city. The summer programmes bring young people together by engaging them in healthy activities. That’s really inspirational. I
plan to take this amazing experience back with me to Pakistan and start a youth club there and hope I can do something similar!Queens Cross is a wonderful place to work and I’m going to miss everything about it, from Richard teasing Tommy, to having long discussions with Angela and particularly the inspirational talks that I had with Scott. Thank you, Patricia, for your amazing guidance!I really want to thank everyone at Queens Cross for giving me this wonderful experience which I will surely cherish for a long time.
A very big ‘thank You’
Our ‘name the magazine’competition winner is announcedCongratulations Thomas Hart, who won our competition to fi nd a name for this magazine. The winning title is Focus (see our front cover).Thomas is a Queens Cross Housing Association tenant. He’s lived in a fl at in the Cedar multi-
storeys for four years and has just started a City of GlasgowCollegeHNDin photography.
Asked where he got the idea for the name, Thomas said: “It was a good opportunity to put together some ideas and the name seemed right for the organisation as tenants are its focus.”Chief Executive, Shona Stephen, presented Thomas with his prize of a gift voucher for £50.
Thank you to everyone who sent in an entry for the competition. Unfortunately we could only pick one winner!
I’m Hina Tokeer and I’m currently studying for an MSc in Public Policy and Management at the University of Glasgow.
Hina Tokeer
To fi nd out moreabout REHIScourses, visit:
www.rehis.comwww.rehis.com
Linda FaichnieJaneMcKenzieMorag O’HarePauline DonnachieScott WalkerShamee SultanMargaret MilneKatrina TarresAnn O’Hagan
Ruth McCraeKim LandJeffCullenMargaret GlendinningIna ClarkCallum McArthurAllan Argue
Congratulations to everyone who passed the course. They are:
Courtyard community centre cook, Ruby Bradley, congratulated her Association students on receiving their Elementary Food Hygiene Certifi cate this September.
Hina(right)thanksPatriciaUrquhart,community development, for her support during her placement
7tenants
woodside Youth Project wins communitychampions awardHere is the list of local councillors elected to
offi ce in May’s elections. The Queens Cross area covers three Glasgow City Council wards – Anderston/City,HillheadandCanal.
WARD 10 – ANDERSTON/CITYBailie Nina BakerScottish Green [email protected]
Bailie Philip BraatScottish Labour [email protected]
Bailie Martin John DochertyScottishNationalParty(SNP)[email protected]
Councillor Gordon MathesonScottish Labour [email protected]
WARD 11 – HILLHEADCouncillor Ken AndrewScottishNationalParty(SNP)[email protected]
Councillor Martin McElroyScottish Labour [email protected]
Councillor Pauline Ann McKeeverScottish Labour [email protected]
Councillor Martha WardropScottish Green [email protected]
WARD 16 – CANALCouncillor Chris KellyScottish Labour [email protected]
Councillor Billy McAllisterScottishNationalParty(SNP)[email protected]
Councillor Helen Stephen Scottish Labour [email protected]
Councillor Kieran WildScottish Green [email protected]
Your local councillors
Hina Tokeer
Councillors can be contacted at Glasgow City Council.Address: Glasgow City Council City Chambers George Square Glasgow G2 1DUTel No: 0141-287-2000Website: www.glasgow.gov.uk
The Public Services Award was shared between the WoodsideYouthProjectand‘CSI’ - a project involving Drumchapel High School, Strathclyde Police and Fire Services which taught children about science.Inspector Gilllian Docherty from Strathclyde Police has been working with the Association’s Woodside youth team and nominated them for the award. She said:“Through the hard work anddedicationoftheYouthTeam and the partnership working we have undertaken with them and with Queens Cross Housing Association in general, youth disorder and incidents involving anti social behaviour have reduced dramatically in the area. “Where youths are becoming involved in crime and anti-social behaviour we can now refer them to Scott’s team who can offer some diversionary projects to keep them off the streets. “The area is now a safer and happier place to live and the police and the Association are passionate about ensuring it stays this way.
“We will continue to work in partnership to drive down incidents and to also ensure that the bright young kids who live in the area have the opportunities and support they deserve.”TheWoodsideYouthProjectprovides a programme of youth work and diversionary activities that increases support for local young people through personal and social education. It enables them to gain knowledge and recognise new opportunities in the world around them and to make informed choices. Project-based workshops allow the team to work with groups of young people over a sustained period. Drop-in sessions provide valuable time for the youth work staff to build and sustain positive relationships with the young people through an informal educational approach. Diversionary activities allows young people to build self-esteem and confi dence, to motivate them to think positively about the opportunities in their lives, particularly around lifestyle
choices, health, employment, training and further education. These activities include football coaching which take place in Firhill Complex on a Wednesday and Friday evening and dance classes in Woodside Leisure centre on a Thursday night and in Firhill Sports complex on a Friday Evening.The project also works with under 12s on a Wednesday night. The Project is managed byScottMcNairwithsupportfrom a team of professional youth workers.Presently we are working with 35 local young people and are about to start a number of drug and alcohol initiatives which aim to tackle under age activities.
The area is now
a safer and happier place to live and the police and the Association are passionate about ensuring it stays this way.
Congratulations to the Woodside Youth Project team who were joint winners in the Central and West section of the Evening Times Glasgow Community Champions Awards held in August. “
”
TheWoodsideYouthProjectteam,seenhere on the left, were joint winners with
the CSI project, Drumchapel.
8 Green Space
green space
Get in touch with Green SpaceDo you know of any green or environmental projects that you’d like to share with readers? Contact Margaret Brannan on [email protected] or call her direct on 0141 589 7349.
Launched in the summer issue of Focus, Green Space aims to bring attention to the environmentally friendly, money-saving project and ideas going in the Queens Cross area.
Here we tell you about people who are growing their own food, environment project winners and where to go to learn how to live a greener life.
Despite the torrential weather this year the Environmental Competition came up with a bumper harvest of talent, hard work and creativity by local gardeners and growers of all ages. The Association’s annual competition celebrated the best in gardens, planters, window boxes, back courts and closes at an awards ceremony held in Woodside Halls on 10 September.Chief Executive, Shona Stephen, was there to welcome local residents and present prizes. She said:“Making a difference to your environment is a very creative task and one that can be shared with lots of people. “Yourspiritsliftwhenyouvisitanarea with beautiful gardens or plants being grown and cared for. It tells you something about the people that live there, it shows they care about their homes and adds a feeling of reassurance and security.“My thanks to the Association staff who make this event possible, the winners and all of the tenants and residents who make such a huge difference to our environment all year round.”Two special trophies were awarded at the event. The overall winner of the Environmental Competition 2012 was Mr and Mrs McDonald of 76 Kirkland Street. Mrs McDonald
accepted the Carrie McGregor Quaich on the couple’s behalf.
The George Wylie Memorial Trophy was awarded to the staff and residents of CHYP(CouncilforHomelessYoungPeople) for the Pot of Soup project. Started in February this year, the project has transformed what was a neglected back yard in to a garden bursting with fl owers, herbs and vegetables.
Usingrecycledrailwaysleepersand old car tyres as plant beds, the project team have now set their sights on getting more land to increase their yield, providing sheltered housing complexes with hanging baskets and cooking what they grow. The project is supported by the Garscube Community Foundation and the Coach House Trust.
Greener Scotland is a one-stop website for greener living.
This Scottish Government site combines a wide range of information and resources to
help the country go greener.You’llfindallsortsofadviceon how to save energy, reduce waste, travel smarter and eat greener. There are plenty of practical tips and useful tools to get you started – like our What’s In Season webapp, well-insulated virtual house and other interactive resources.
Your one stop shop for green advice
Visit: http://www.greenerscotland.org/warm-homesVisit: http://www.greenerscotland.org/warm-homes
A bumper harvest of talent
Mrs McDonald - winner of the Carrie
McGregor Quaich
A competitionfor all ages
Best Backcourt1st 16 Clarendon Street2nd 57 Glenfarg Street3rd 406 St George’s Road
Best Close1st 350 St George’s Road2nd 8 Cedar Street3rd 370 St George’s Road
Best Window Box/Planters1st Mrs Wylie, 57 Glenfarg
Street
2nd Mrs Carberry, 374 St George’s Road
3rd Abercorn Secondary School/OakgrovePrimary
Best Garden1st Mr Canning, 33c Braid
Square2nd Entire close, 15
Clarendon Street3rd Mrs Charnely, 8b St
Peter’s Path
Best Backcourt1st 444/440MaryhillRoad2nd 588 Maryhill Road3rd 101/107FirhillRoad& 40 Firhill Street
Best Close1st 5JardineStreet2nd 3 Bonawe Street3rd 430 Maryhill Road
Best Window Box/Planters1st NancyHenning,26
Burnbank Terrace2nd Charlie Smith, 41 Benview Street3rd Mrs Shields, 28 Dalmally Street
Best Garden1st Mr & Mrs McDonald, 76 Kirkland Street2nd Mr McIndoe, 46 Springbank Street3rd MrsJohnston, 411 Maryhill Road
Queens Cross
Woodside
Best Window Box/Planters1st Mrs Paton, 29
Westercommon Drive2nd Mrs Pate, 31 Panmure
Close3rd MrsMcNicol,31
Westercommon Drive
Best Garden1st Mrs Campbell, 245
Stonyhurst Street2nd Mrs Wright, 35 Panmure
Close3rd Mr Duff, 16 Salmona
Street
DundasvaleMr Leathem, 18 Dundasvale Court was awarded a Certifi cate of Merit for continued commitment to the environment within the area.
Winner of the George Wylie Memorial TrophyPot of Soup project – Council for HomelessYoungPeople(CHYP)
Winner of the Carrie McGregor Quaich Mr & Mrs McDonald, 76 Kirkland Street
Westercommon/Hamiltonhill
The Pot of Soup project team were winners of the George Wylie Memorial Trophy.
9
Please note that the information in this article is up to date as far as we know at the time of publishing, based on offi cial sources of information. However we cannot rule out the possibility that some of the Government’s plans may change. Queens Cross Housing Association will try to keep tenants and other service users updated with any further important changes that may be announced.
Have a look at the list below, to see which changes are likely to affect you.
Changes expected to take effect from April 2013 –
• Housing benefi t ‘bedroom tax’ – penalty for ‘under-occupied’ householdFor people of working age only (people under pension credit age), the amount of rent that your housing benefi t is based on will be reduced if you have one or more bedrooms that are considered unnecessary for the size of your household. The reduction is expected to be 14% for one unoccupied bedroom, and 25% for 2 or more unoccupied bedrooms.
• Benefi t capAgain for people of working age only (people under pension credit age), housing benefi t will be reduced if necessary so that the total income from benefi ts is no more than an amount called ‘median’ earnings. The cap on total benefi t income
is expected to be about £350 a week for single people and £500 for lone parents and couples. There will be exemption from the cap for any household where someone is receiving DLA, or PIP, or the support component of ESA, or industrial injuries disablement benefi t or a war pension.
• Council tax benefi t to be abolishedThe current council tax benefi t scheme is to be replaced in Scotland by a new scheme designed by the Scottish Government and administered by the local authority
• Social Fund grants and crisis loans to be abolishedCommunity care grants and Crisis Loans for items and general living expenses (including rent in advance) will be abolished and replaced by a new scheme to be run by the Scottish government. Crisis Loans due to issues with benefi t (such as delay in payment) are to be replaced by a new national scheme of Short Term Advances to be run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
For advice about how to claim attendance allowance or DLA, or about any other benefi t issues, contact the Association and ask about our welfare rights service. See also ‘How can I get further advice?’ below.
Changes to benefits in 2013 –how will you be affected?
Ingredients:• Dashoil• 500gbonelessskinlesschicken,
cubed (or use lamb, turkey or pork)• 2onions,sliced• 300gchoppedvegetables(e.g.
carrot, peppers, parsnip)• 50gdriedapricots,rasins,sultanas
or prunes, halved • 1x400gtintomatoes• 1heapedteaspooneachground
cinnamon and cumin• 200mlwater• Saltandpepper
Method:1. Add oil to a pan, add the onion and
cook until browned then add the chicken and stir for 2 minutes.
2. Add the chopped vegetables and cook another 3 minutes, mixing regularly.
3. Add the apricots, tomatoes, spices, water and seasoning. Bring to a gentle boil, turn the heat down and simmer gently for 20 minutes stirring regularly.
Love Food Hate Waste is brought to you by Zero Waste Scotland. Zero Waste Scotland helps individuals, businesses and communities reduce waste, recycle more and use resources sustainably. To fi nd out more, visit www.zerowastescotland.org.uk
Love food, hate waste recipeThanks to the very positive reaction by Focus readers to the recipe for stir-fried chicken in the summer issue, we’ve brought you another to try from Love Food Hate Waste’s website. This time from their ‘Cook Once Eat Twice’ range.
moroccan style Chicken stewThis deliciously thick stew can be varied depending on what you have in the fridge. It’s good served with cous cous, rice, baked potatoes or warm pita bread and salad. It’s also really tasty cold the next day served in a wrap.
Vegetarian and vegan optionsFor a veggie version use butternut squash, pumpkin or sweet potato rather than chicken. Or just add a 500g mixture of different vegetables.
• Personal Independence Payments (PIP) InJune2013anewsystemofbenefitsfor disabled people, called personal independence payments (PIP), is expected to beintroducedUK-wide,afterbeingpilotedintheNorthofEnglandonlyfromApril2013.The main difference with PIP is that it will be assessed on a points scoring system, and the intention is that most claims will be based on face-to-face assessments by an approved healthcare practitioner, similar to the current system for ESA assessments.PIP is expected to replace DLA for new claims and for anyone with a change in circumstances that would affect their entitlement to DLA. Currently, the intention is for PIP to apply only to people of age 16 to 64. Eventually, it is expected that everyone between ages 16 and 64 who receives DLA will have their award transferred over to PIP. The Government intends to achieve this by March 2017.• Universal CreditFrom October 2013 the DWP plans to start introducinganewbenefitcalledUniversalCredit,orUCforshort.UCisintendedeventually to replace all income related benefi ts and tax credits for people of working age, including income support, income based JSA,incomerelatedemploymentandsupportallowance, working tax credit and child tax credit, and housing benefi t. The expectation is that new claims for these benefi ts will be abolished, and existing claims will move overtoUC,inastagedprocessstartingearly2014 and expected to be complete by March 2017.We hope to be able to provide more informationandupdatesonUniversalCreditin the winter edition of this magazine.
Other changes in 2013
How can I get further advice?If you are concerned about how the changes might affect you, or if you would like any advice about welfare benefi ts please call us on 0141 945 3003 and ask for welfarerights.Youmaybeofferedanappointmentattheoffice.Ifyoucannotcometo the offi ce, please request a home visit and one of our welfare rights offi cers will get back to you about this as soon as possible.
Our website www.qcha.org.uk Our email address: [email protected]
The main changes expected to happen later in 2013 are as follows:Many of the UK Government’s welfare benefi ts changes have become
law. Some changes have already happened and some others will be taking effect very soon. In this article we highlight the main changes that are due to come in from April next year.
you about this as soon as possible.Our website www.qcha.org.uk Our email address: [email protected]
10
A report from this year’s AgmThe increasing involvement of tenants in the Association’s Board and Community Involvement Groups was reported at our Annual General Meeting on 17 September.Held in Woodside Halls to an audience of more than 100 Association members, the key themes of the event included strengthening the Association’s governance, a historic year for new build properties, and an ongoing commitment to our communities.
Chair’s report Association Chair,JohnGray,recognised the signifi cant period of change that the Association has undergone in2011/12.
Board members and Community Involvement Group members have taken up key roles in the organisation, providing ideas, feedback and discussion on the Association’s services and community activities.JohnalsoannouncedthelaunchoftheAssociation’s Governance Charter. Developed by Board members and senior staff, the Charter contains 7 key principles which refl ect the Association’s commitment to comply with the Scottish Housing Regulator’s standards to integrate good governance into all that the Association does.Stepping down as Chair of the Board this year,JohnsaidthathewassatisfiedthattheAssociation was in good shape though mindful of the challenges presented by the economic situation and impact of benefi ts reform.
Challenges aheadChief Executive, Shona Stephen, looked back on a year when 50 tenant and resident members of the Board and Community Involvement Groups were recruited and worked closely with the organisation. Forthisyear,2012/13,theAssociationisalready dealing with the challenges faced by many tenants due to benefi ts reform. Shona emphasised the increasing importance of feedback and two-way communication between the Association and its tenants so that services can be designed and directed where they’re needed. The information being gathered through theGettingtoKnowYousurveyorbytenantstaking the time to complain or compliment services are also routes to continually improving services.
sound financesNeilManley,DirectorofFinance,presentedtheaccountsfor2011/12withsupportfromindependent external auditors, Scott Moncrieff, who declared that the Association was on a sound fi nancial footing.
New board membersThe Association’s Board is now made up of 12 members, 8 elected from the membership and 4 independent members. Anyone who lives in the Association’s area of operation can put themselves forward for the Board.At the AGM, Association members were asked to elect members to the Association’s Board of Management. The following three members were elected unopposed: Andrew Stewart, Tam McPhater, Bridget McGeechan. Members were also asked to formally appoint one new independent member to the Board and David Horner’s appointment was approved.
the full list of board members:
CommunitymembersMarilyn ClewesMargaret GlassSadie GordonJohnGrayBridget McGeechanTam McPhaterMohammed RazaqAndrew Stewart
Agm
involvement takes a leap forward
IndependentmembersDavid HornerKathy SomersTom WhyteColin Williams
Profile:donald murray, Queens Cross Cig
Donald Murray is one of our new CIG members. He’s not only taken on a new role on behalf of local residents he’s also added new son, Kade, to his family. Here Donald explains why he joined the CIG and what he’s hoping to get out of his involvement. He said:“I’ve lived in the Westercommon area for most of my life. I moved to Murano Crescent recently as part of the Hamiltonhill clearance and joined Queens Cross CIG because I wanted to do something for the area. “I’m interested in how the Association works, making some changes to the area for the better and look forward to meeting new people.”Donald works as a chef at the Little Sisters of the Poor’s care home for the elderly in Robroyston. He’s been there for four years and, previous to that, worked for the Talbot Association, a charity for vulnerable homeless people.
We now have nearly 50 tenant and resident members of our Board and four Community Involvement Groups.
11
governance Charter launchedAs a commitment to the highest standards of governance in the Association, the Board of Management and senior staff have agreed and signed up to a Governance Charter. The Charter sets out seven key principles that will guide the Association’s decision making.
Annual report 2011/12YourcopyoftheQueensCross Housing Association AnnualReport2011/12should be delivered with this autumn issue of Focus magazine.If you would like the Report in another format, want to order another copy or prefer to read
it online, contact us on 0141-945 3003, email [email protected] or visit www.qcha.org.uk
Cig members ConfirmedMembership of the four Community Involvement Groups was confi rmed at the AGM for Dundasvale, Hamiltonhill & Westercommon, Woodside and Queens Cross.Full details of all appointments and background on CIG and Board members will be found on the Association’s new website which will launch in early October.
Agm
involvement takes a leap forward
Profile:david horner, independent board member
After a brief period teaching geography atGlasgowUniversity,Davidmovedintourban regeneration.He held various posts in almost 25 years with Glasgow City Council, including establishing and chairing the Gorbals Regeneration Partnership. A town planner to trade, he was particularly concerned with joining up the economic, social, cultural and physical aspects of regeneration.David said: “I’m very pleased to have been appointed to the Board of Queens Cross Housing Association. Community-based associations are increasingly important providers of quality affordable housing in the city, and I look forward to joining the Board in its work.”HemovedtoYorkshire,joiningRenewLeeds, a not-for-profi t company, as Project Director. Following his return to Glasgow in 2008, David was involved in strategic planning for housing in the Glasgow and ClydeValleyareas.
Appointment of office bearersTheBoard’sofficebearersfor2012/13havebeenconfirmed.Theyare:-Chair Margaret GlassViceChair MarilynClewesViceChair ColinWilliamsSecretary Bill Brown, Director of Corporate Services
thank you
Thanks and recognition were given at the AGM to Board and Community Involvement Group members who were standing down from their posts this year.LizCampbell,MohammedZahidandJimAirdwere thanked for their contributions to the Board of Management.Helen Getty and Ina Munro were thanked for their contributions to the Westercommon and Hamiltonhill Community Involvement Group.
TheeventclosedwithathankyoutoJohnGraywho stepped down as Chair of the Association’s Board.JohnhasbeenChairsince2010buthashad a long history with the Association, and was one of its founding members. Although stepping downasChair,JohnwillremainasaBoardmember.
Annual report 2011/12
magazine.If you would like the Report in another format, want to order another copy or prefer to read 1
Annual Report 2011/12
BuildingCommunitiesExcellence at the heart of your community
12 Staff News
Your complaints driving our performanceThe Association has been at the fore in adopting and implementing the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman’s model complaint handling procedure.
The new streamlined two-stage approach to dealing with your complaints has been developed for quicker and more effective resolution of complaints. Since 13thJune2012,we’vehandledover sixty complaints from customers.
Although we always try to deliver our services effectively and get things right fi rst time, complaints allow us to identify where there
may be scope for improvement in how we deliver services. We use your complaints to drive improvement and ensure we perform as best we can in providing a service to our customers.When a complaint has been resolved, we analyse it to identify learning outcomes including how and why an issue happened and the way it was handled. A number of service improvements have already been suggested as a result of the complaints we’ve received from customers. Some case studies are listed here to illustrate where we’ve listened to your concerns and acted to make improvements to the services we
provide.
The complaints we receive from customers also assist us in recognising trends and patterns where the same type of complaint may be recurring and to take action where necessary to ensure similar problems do not arise again.
The complaint handling statistics published here for the quarter 1st April–30thJune2012includea period where the previous complaints procedure was in operation with a ten working day response timescale to complaints received at stage one and stage two, and twenty one working days
at stage three.
A clearer picture of how we are performing under the new two-stage complaint handling procedure will be reported in the next edition of Focus.
Learning from Complaints - Case Studies
Percentage of complaints received
Percentage complaints response timescales
1st April – 30th June 2012
Complaint 1: A contractor lifted fl oorboards to carry out electrical rewiring work leaving the fl oor in a state of disrepair. The contractor had indicated that their operatives would return to complete the work and reinstate fl oorboards which had been lifted. Contractor did not return and tenant was unable to contact them.Learning outcomes: • Communicationwith
customers on investment programmes needs to be structured
• Communicationplanstobe developed for each investment programme in advance of work commencing.
Complaint 2: Dissatisfaction with damage to the interior wall of a property and a lack of response or communication from the Association.Learning outcomes:• Needtoestablish
timescales for reviewing repairs cases and giving progress reports and updates to customers.
Complaint 3: Customer had paid for an all-day hire of community rooms. The
customer advised that no-one was available to give access and that there was no heating in room. Complainant further advises that the fi re alarm was then activated thirty minutes later and could not be adequately deactivated until 1pm. Complainant unhappy as, due to interruptions, they will have to arrange an alternative day at further cost and inconvenience.Learning outcomes: • ConditionsofLetfully
reviewed to ensure that users have full instructions on what to do in the event of an emergency.
• Lettingproceduretobefully reviewed to ensure that all staff involved in the booking of rooms are fully aware of the letting procedure and their responsibilities.
• Signstobeplacedincommunity rooms to inform users that they are not permitted to interfere with the heating controls.
• A‘freeofcharge’lettobeconsidered to customers where costs have been incurred in similar circumstances.
Number of Complaints ReceivedStage 1 57Stage 2 0Stage 3 2Total: 59
Average timescale for response 7.7 daysto all complaintsAverage response time for complaints 5.2 daysresponded to within timescale
*Other relates to outstanding stage three complaint.
13Corporate News
Herald commendation for Hopehill Road
Lifelink, in partnership with the North Primary Care Mental Health team, have Free Stress Management Courses starting in your area on 6th November at Maryhill Burgh Halls, and on 7th November at North Glasgow College, between 6 and 8pm. The workshops run for 4 weeks and include topics that will assist you to recognise what stress is and how it affects your behaviour and thought patterns. They will guide you through a range of problem solving and wellbeing techniques so that you learn to manage your stress more effectively.
Learn to manage your stress
FREE STRESS MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS
1 WHAT IS STRESS?OUR 4 WEEK COURSE COVERS:
2 BEHAVIOUR & STRESS 3 THOUGHT PATTERNS & STRESS 4 PROBLEM SOLVING & WELLBEING
FIND OUT MORE 0141 552 4434WWW.LIFELINK.ORG.UK
YOU CAN DEAL WITH
WANT TO GAINA SENSE OFCONTROL?
STRESS
Based on the Pathways Wellbeing Course
MARYHILL COURSES TUESDAYS 6 - 8 PM Course 1: 21st August 28th August 4th September 11th September Course 2: 6th November 13th November 20th November 27th NovemberMaryhill Burgh Halls, 10-24 Gairbraid Ave G20 8YE
SPRINGBURN COURSES WEDNESDAYS 6 - 8 PM Course 1: 22nd August 29th August 5th September 12th SeptemberCourse 2: 7th November 14th November 21st November 28th NovemberNorth Glasgow College, 123 Flemington St, Springburn G21 4TD
Hopehill Road, the sheltered housing complex for people aged 60 and over, was given a commendation in the Social Housing Development of the Year category of the Herald Property Awards. Our congratulations to the development team who saw this project through
from start to completion.The Assessors at Building Research Establishment (BRE) have also confi rmed that Hopehill has been certifi ed as one of the few housing associations in Scotland to achieve an Excellent standard under the Eco-Homes ratings for environmental performance.
If you would like to fi nd out more about our courses and/or Lifelink services, visit www.lifelink.org.uk or telephone 0141 552 4434.
development team who saw this project through telephone 0141 552 4434.
woodside ambitions laid out
An Options Appraisal of Woodside has been carried out which has explored the ambitions of residents for their homes and their future. Through consultation residents told us how they would like to see the area transformed into a desirable, high quality, vibrant and sustainable community that draws people in and makes them want to stay.Queens Cross Housing Association is already committed to major investment in the Woodside area and will spend £17million between now and 2016 on works to improve the heating, insulation and ventilation at the deck access properties, and to improve the thermal insulation of the multi storey blocks at Cedar. These works will make sure all of the homes meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard and will improve the properties.It’s been clear when talking to residents that the area has great potential, being well connected to the city centre, having good transport links and a range of public facilities. There’s an abundance of open space and the Spiers Locks initiative is bringing creative businesses to the area.The Options Appraisal identifi es local residents’ hopes and illustrates some of the ideas proposed for meeting those aspirations, particularly in improving security, access and the wider environment. There’s emphasis on dealing with refuse and making homes easier
and cheaper to heat.We’ve already demonstrated our commitment to bringing improvements:• We’veinstalledadditionalCCTVcameras
to improve safety and security. • Newsignageisgivingafreshappearance
to the deck access properties at the entrances, stairs and decks so that visitors can fi nd their way around more easily.
• Worktoimprovetheenvironmentbyestablishing growing spaces with local partner organisations has started, with Council funding of over £25,000.
• Under-usedspaceat65CedarStreethas been refurbished to enable the Association to deliver services such as welfare rights, money and debt advice locally.
• Improvedrepairsservicefromournewmaintenance contractor.
Clearly, the comprehensive transformation of the Woodside area is a huge and costly task and the Association is now looking at how it can meet some of our aspirations and who it can work with. The Association is investing to ensure all our homes meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard but we are committed to deliver more. We’re looking to see how much money we can provide from
our own reserves, where and how we can attract grant support for works, and which other bodies and partner organisations may have money to contribute to this project.
our own reserves, where and how we can
The ‘Options Appraisal of Woodside’ has explored the ambitions of residents for their homes and their future. Through a series of consultation exercises residents told us how they would like to see the area transformed into a desirable, high quality, vibrant and sustainable community that draws people in and makes them want to stay.
QCHA is already committed to major investment in the Woodside areaand will spend £17million between now and 2016 on works to improve theheating, insulation and ventilation at the deck access flats, and to improve the thermal insulation of the multi storey blocks at Cedar.
Woodside Going ForwardWhat's next .....
St. G
eorg
e’s R
oad
8 1
We have already demonstrated our commitment to bringing improvements by:• Installing additional CCTV cameras to improve safety and security. • Fitting new signage to give a fresh appearance to the deck access
blocks at the entrances, stairs and decks so visitors can find their way more easily.
• Establishing growing spaces with local partner organisations, helped by Council funding of over £25,000.
• Refurbishing under used space at 65 Cedar Street, allowing the Association to deliver services such as welfare rights, money and debt advice to local residents.
• Improved repairs service from our new maintenance contractor.
Transforming the Woodside area is a huge and costly task and the Association is investigating how it can meet some of these aspirations and who it can work with. We are investing to ensure all our homes meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard but we are committed to deliver more. The Association is looking to see how much money can be raised, where and how we can attract grant support for works, and which other organisations might contribute to this project.
‘adapting under-used spaces’
The Woodside Community Involvement Group and the consultation have helped us to understand the priority issues to explore. The Association will consult further with local residents and organisations as funding is identified and ideas develop into proposals.
Leaflet Design:
We all know instinctively what a good place to live looks and feels like. We feel safe, part of a community and happy with the quality of our homes and the local surroundings. It’s a place where we want to stay and invest our time.
The Association has produced an information leafl et giving more detail
on the plans for Woodside. Contact us on 945 3003 or [email protected] a copy.
14 Corporate News
Celebrating diversity, Challenging intoleranceThe Association’s neighbourhoods are made up of individuals from a broad range of backgrounds. A rich and diverse cultural mix is a large part of what makes vibrant communities. Queens Cross Housing Association wants
to celebrate that diversity and to extend equality of opportunity to everyone who lives here, irrespective of their background. Equality and Diversity is one the Association’s core values and we are
committed to eliminating discrimination, harassment and victimisation. We have a responsibility to challenge intolerance and promote a culture of inclusion and respect between all people who enrich the local community.
NewinitiativesWe are therefore putting in place a number of initiatives to demonstrate our commitment to fairness and to challenging discrimination wherever it may exist. The Association has recently published an Equality and Diversity Policy which outlines our commitment and key guiding principles in advancing equality, and ensuring everyone is treated fairly. It also outlines the responsibilities of Board members, staff, contractors and partners, and our customers in relation to equality and diversity and in working towards embedding equality and diversity into everything the Association does as a Registered Social Landlord.The Association will also be developing an Equality and Diversity strategy which will set out how we aim to achieve our fi ve Equality and Diversity objectives outlined in our Policy:• We gather and maintain information to
understand the needs of our customers and shape services to meet diverse needs.
• Our Board, CIGs, staff, volunteers and partnerships demonstrate a clear commitment to Equality and Diversity.
• We offer effective ways for all of our customers to engage with us and customer feedback is used to review and develop services.
• Our services are accessible and responsive to the needs of our customers.
• We are a progressive organisation and our governance, leadership structures and workforce will broadly represent the diversity of the communities we serve.
Our equality objectives have been developed with the input of our Board and Community Involvement Groups with the aim of identifying individuals or groups for whom barriers may currently exist to them engaging with us or in accessing the services we provide. Our objectives also aim to ensure we’re delivering our services fairly and equally to everyone without discrimination, to ensure our customers can communicate effectively with us and that we are focussing the delivery of our services to the needs of all of our customers.
hate Crime Policy in placeAs part of our commitment to fairness and to challenging intolerance and discrimination, the Association have also recently launched a Hate Crime Policy. Hate crime may take the form of physical or verbal attacks or threats against an individual or group, or attacks upon property such as offensive graffi ti or vandalism. Individuals or groups may suffer from crime committed by individuals motivated by hatred of another person or group’s race, ethnicity or nationality, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability.Hate crime has a corrosive effect upon the harmony and cohesion of our community and an often devastating impact upon its victims. The Association’s Hate Crime Policy illustrates our commitment to ensuring that our neighbourhoods are safe and welcoming places for all residents and outlines the actions we will take against known perpetrators of hate crime. We have worked in partnership with Strathclyde Police, Glasgow Community and Safety Services and other key stakeholders in a number of initiatives aimed at tackling hate crime. The Association is a nominated third party reporting facility for hate crime and we are also represented on Strathclyde Police ‘A’ division
and ‘B’ division hate crime action groups. Statistically it is estimated that many incidences of hate crime regularly go unreported. Individuals may feel intimidated or anxious about reporting hate crime directly to the police and may have perceptions or preconceived expectations which may make this diffi cult. Our role as a third party reporting centre has been designed to encourage, and to make it as easy and as accessible as possible to report incidences of hate crime as victims often feel intimidated and threatened.We have trained staff who will provide support for an individual wishing to report a hate crime who can pass information to Strathclyde Police without revealing the victim’s personal details. Strathclyde Police will only investigate an incidence of hate crime with the victim’s consent, and can also signpost individuals to the most appropriate support organisations through the StrathclydePoliceDiversityUnit.Reporting hate crime is vital to building an accurate picture of how many incidences of crime motivated by hate occur. Reporting allows police and others agencies to proactively target and allocate resources to areas where hate crimes are most prevalent.
If you are a victim of hate crime or wish to report an incidence of crime motivated by prejudice or hate you can contact Association staff who will treat any report with
sensitivity and in the strictest confi dence. Alternatively, contact Strathclyde Police directly on 0141 532 2000 or online at https://www.strathclyde.police.uk/hate_crime/
15Corporate News
The Fire Station project formed the Kids Culture Club (or KCC) last year in response to the number of young families the project supports. The group started out as an art group and met every week at the Benview Community Rooms. The KCC’s aim was to allow parents and their children some quality time together doing a fun activity like making paper mache masks, hand and feet painting, making things out of Play-Do and lots of other activities.The art group came to the
end of its run recently but KCC continues to have an annual summer and autumn trip. We’ve been to Blair Drummond safari park, Edinburgh Zoo and theAlmondValleyFarm.The kids have had an amazing time seeing lots of animals, bouncing on trampolines, playing in sand and going on a trailer ride. Luckily we got a bit of rare Scottish
sun so enjoyed a nice picnic lunch followed by ice cream. We also ran another art session before going to the farm so the parents and kids could meet each other before the trip. The project regularly collects evaluations after trips and feedback has been very positive.Also at our annual Focus Day KCC always sets up an art table for any children who attend. We cover it with paper and allow the kids to basically decorate it in any way they want to with paint, tissue paper, pens and glitter. Hopehill sheltered housing complex was defi nitely sparkling this year when we were done and the kids had a great time.
Sara WoodHousing Support Supervisor
Strathclyde Fire & Rescue were in Braid Square recently to fi lm a tv ad for their new Home Fire Safety campaign. They’re asking the public to join the fi ght against fi re to help keep you, your family and friends, neighbours and community safe.The campaign’s aim is to promote citizenship and to ask neighbours to recommend a Home Fire SafetyVisitforcommunitymembers they know may be vulnerable. It could be you know someone who is at risk - a relative, friend or neighbour who may need a little more support due to age, ill-health or addiction problems.The service ask you to pick up the phone today and
help save a life. Call 0800 0731 999.The advert shows a fi reman walking along a communal hallway in Braid Square and appearing to knock on a door, as if he is about to conduct a visit.
fire service filmnew campaign in braid square
Glasgow invites you to unleash your creativity across a range of exciting exhibitions, events and activities at this year’s Creative Mackintosh Festival!The Mackintosh Church is hosting a number of events during the Festival which takes place from 15 - 28 October.‘Unfi nished Symphony’ - an exhibition in our new ‘Contempo Gallery’ space, curated by the CRM Society 15 - 28 OctoberDesign for Living – the furniture of Bruce Hamilton 15 - 28 OctoberEnd of History – an exhibition of the work of renowned photographer and artist Tim Gray 15 - 28 October
Puppet Day at the Mackintosh Church - Puppet Workshop and ShowThis performance is suitable for children aged 3 -11 years accompanied by an adult. Mackintosh’s Italian Dinner 26 October at 19.00Mackintosh and Maryhill – Heritage Walking Tours17, 21, 24, & 28 October 13.30 to 15.30Sound Sessions at the Mackintosh Church23 October at 18.00 & 27 October at 15.00The Mackintosh Church will have extended opening throughout the Festival.
mackintosh Church hosts october festival events
Have you a couple of hours a week to give to help our older tenants? Activities such as lunch clubs, gardening and indoor activities are much appreciated by tenants and, to meet demand, we need volunteers to work alongside staff on these activities. Tasks include setting and serving tables and washing dishes for the lunch club; helping tenants with
gardening tasks that may be too heavy for them. We’re also looking for drivers to get tenants to the shops in our minibus. Or maybe there’s another skill you have that would benefi t tenants?
For more information on all our volunteer opportunities, please contact Tommy Lusk on 0141 945 8584 or [email protected]
Volunteeringopportunitiesavailable
Formoreinformationvisitwww.crmsociety.com/creativemackintoshfestival or contact Dylan [email protected] T: 0141 946 6600
Bookings for events can bemade on bookwhen.com/mackintosh
[email protected] T: 0141 946 6600
To see the tv ad and fi nd out more about the citizenship campaign, visit: http://www.strathclydefi re.org/http://www.strathclydefi re.org/
Kids Culture Club
News from the NeighbourhoodsNews from the Neighbourhoods
Woodside and Queens Cross CIG members are joining up in October to take part in another litter pick-up in the streets around
Hopehill Road and Woodside. These popular events make a big difference to the environment and benefi t local residents.
Queens Cross Central
16 News from the neighbourhoods
Queens Cross CIG hosted an Olympics themed social event for members of all four neighbourhood CIGs on 22 June.
The fun event was very well attended and medals were handed out for sports including sock hockey.The CIG events are held quarterly to allow members to get to know each other, fi nd out what each group is doing and learn from each other.The next event, a Burns Supper, will be hosted by Woodside CIG in January.
Olympic medal winners
Joint litter pick-up planned
The last quarter has seen the completion of tenant moves in to brand new homes in the Murano and Garscube developments.
The fi rst close available for rent in
Oban Drive is due to be handed over to the Association in October. This project will run until Spring 2013 involving many families who are being moved to a new address due to the clearance of properties in Hamiltonhill.
Tenant moves update
Following on from recent successes, the Queens Cross CIG is to host a coffee morning for local residents at our community room at472MaryhillRoadinOctober/
November.Theevent’sbeingheldto encourage new members to join the CIG and for members to talk to local people about what’s happening in their community.
Autumn coffee morning in Maryhill
If you’re interested in joining Queens Cross CIG or want more information on local events, contact Evelyn Keegans or Marion McIntyre on 0141 945 3003.
• SupporttheCleanGlasgow campaign on dog fouling
• Continueandsustainwork done by the Clean Glasgow Campaign
• Tackleissuesofpublicdrinking in local green spaces
• ImplementtheAssociation’s anti-social behaviour strategy
• Planacommunitygarden that meets the community’s needs.
Plan, support and deliver an environmental action day in Burbank Gardens, Firhill.
Plan an event that involves all members of the four
community involvement groups.• DeveloptheCommunity
Halls as learning hubs. • Workwithpartnersto
provide opportunities for community based learning.
Apply persuasion and pressure on local authority to install traffi c control measures on Queen Margaret Drive and Garscube Road.Plan, support and deliver an environmental action day around Hopehill Rd that involves the Woodside CIG. Support the development of a mural in Dunard School that celebrates the school’s history.
Queens Cross CigCommunity Action Plan
Queens Cross Community involvement group NAME ADDRESS1. JeanMcPetrie NapiershallStreet2. Lisa Martin Kirkland St 3. Linda Smith Springbank Street4. Helen McLellan Dalmally Street5. Daisy Woo Wilton Street6. Ahlam Souidi Maltbarn Street7. JoeBonnar MaryhillRoad8. Donald Murray Murano Crescent 9. Margaret Glass Clouston Court
Eviction decrees were recently granted by the courts which resulted in two tenancies being terminated by the Association after court approval. This resulted in the households losing their homes.Evicting a tenant is a very last resort in managing our tenancies. Association staff will always try all possible means to avoid
such action being necessary.
Unfortunately, there are a small number of tenants who, despite the best help and support to resolve issues of anti social behaviour, continue to carry out serious acts of unacceptable conduct that has an impact on their neighbours and the whole community.
In these circumstances, the Association has no other choice but to proceed with eviction action. While this situation is regrettable, the Association will not tolerate anti social behaviour and will take action to recover tenancies if tenants are unwilling to engage with our services, and work with us to prevent them from losing their homes.
woodsideZero tolerance on Anti social behaviour - recent evictions
News from the Neighbourhoods17News from the neighbourhoods
woodside Community involvement group
dundasvale
invitation to join woodside tenant Consultation
Windsor Hall is a well-known and well-used facility for the local community of Woodside. If you’re interested in joining any classes, come along on the following dates or call one of the Woodside team on 945 3003 to find out more.• Computing classes
- Wednesdays 10am -12noon. Learn at your own pace and beginners welcome.
• Lunch club, Monday to Friday. New members welcome.
• Join our art group on Thursday at 2pm
• Tuesday evening –senior group
• Wednesday evening - junior then senior group.
• Friday evening drop in and Urban Art.
• New! Saturday morning youth group for 5-12 year olds.
As part of the Association’s commitment to tenant consultation, we would like to develop a list of tenants in the Woodside area who would be interested in giving their views on the Association’s plans for the redevelopment of the area.Our consultation would take the form of attending meetings that would be
held from time to time to obtain your views on the development proposals. If you can spare a few hours to participate in these meetings, please contact Tom Canavan, Neighbourhood Housing Manager, or Katie Fox, Assistant Neighbourhood Housing Manager, on 0141 945 3003.
Community Activities
woodside - Community Action Plans• TheCommunityInvolvement
Group will continue to contribute to the development of the proposals for the regeneration of the neighbourhood. Architects complete the feasibility report outlining the options. Development staff assess the costs of the various proposals.
• CIGmembersparticipateinthe Gala Day to disseminate information on the option appraisal to the Woodside Community.
• CIGmembersparticipateinthe election for members.
• StaffandCommunityInvolvement Group members are available to attend walkabouts.
• CommunityServicesandDevelopment staff work closely to develop the available space to a useful community facility.
• CommunityInvolvementGroupmembers involved in the design of the resource and in decisions on the use of the facility.
• Inconjunctionwithlocalpeople and groups, identify unused spaces to be used for development.
• Carryoutvisitstolocalcommunity gardens – concrete garden, Kingsway Court and Belmont Lane
• Co-ordinateworkshopstobe held by the Coach House Trust.
NAME ADDRESS1. Elspeth Glasgow St Peter’s Path 2. Teresa McCaffrey St George’s Road 3. Kalsoom Iqbal Windsor Street4. Audrey McAtasney Glenfarg Street5. Lewis Mitchell Cedar Street6. Cathie Corbett St Peter’s Path7 JoanneTinney CedarStreet8. JoanneWong CedarCourt9. Thomas McPhater, Board appointment St George’s Road 10. Colin Williams, Board appointment Kelvin Drive
Dundasvale’s Housing and Customer Services team have re-located to a new office at 6 Dundasvale Court, flat 1/1. The office opened on 20th August and the team have been busy with customers coming in for meetings, home visits and telephone enquiries.
The team provide a full housing service for Dundasvale residents and they’re available to discuss any issue that tenants may have about their tenancy or property. Welfare Rights and Money and Debt Advice surgeries are also held at 6 Dundasvale. The surgeries are by appointment only by calling 0141 589 7333 to arrange a suitable date and time.Office opening times: Monday, Tuesday, Thurday 9am – 1pmWednesday, Friday 1pm – 5pm The Dundasvale housing team are now based at 6 Dundasvale Court,Flat1/1
New safety handrails fittedCIG members were also involved in the installation of two new support handrails between 2 and 14 Dundasvale Court. These new support rails will help people to get around estate, particularly in windy weather. This is the first step in a process that will see more
work carried out in the area as a result of the CIG consulting with the community on local improvements to the area. The activities on the CIG’s Community Action Plan are listed on the next page.
Handrails between 2 and 14 Dundasvale Court
westercommon & hamiltonhill
18 News from the neighbourhoods
Communitygarden plansThe Dundasvale Community Involvement Group (CIG) met with the Coach House Trust recently to discuss and plan a new community garden to be located near the Bowling Green. Residents should have received a letter inviting them to take part in planning and developing of the garden. For more information on the Coach House Trust, visit: www.
dundasvaleCommunityAction Plan• Tocarryoutsurveyoftenants,toaskwhatthey
would want regarding environmental improvements in the area.
• Surveyoptionstobebasedontheresultsofprevious engagement exercises within area and CIG.
• Installationofhandrailatno.2andno.14Dundasvale Court – based on survey results.
• Developacommunitygarden.• Installnoticeboardsandsuggestionboxesinflats.• Softlandscapingandinclusionofsculptures/
artwork/trimtrailthroughoutarea.
dundasvale Community involvement group NAME ADDRESS1. MayMcVey DundasvaleCourt,2. Helen Waugh Dundasvale Court3. JuneWallace DundasvaleCourt4. Gerald McGillan Dundasvale Court5. Elaine Murdie Dundasvale Court6 Margaret McIntyre Dundasvale Court7. Carol McIvor Dundasvale Court8 JeanForrester DundasvaleCourt9. Bridget McGeechan Dundasvale Court Board appointment
Hamiltonhill clearanceThe Hamiltonhill tenements are now almost cleared with less that 20 residents still remaining in the area. Our aim is to provide those still waiting to move with suitable accommodation that will allow the Association to programme the demolition of the fl ats.
Calmer streetsThe gang activity round about Panmure Street and Westercommon Drive has calmed down, but the Association remains pro-active in dealing with anyone who is a tenant or member of a tenant’s family who is involved in this type of activity.
It has been a busy few months in Westercommon and Hamiltonhill with a number of projects managed by staff.
Community Garden PlansWe continue to manage the open areas within Hamiltonhill and, as part of a wider community garden initiative, we will be seeding parts of the open areas to encourage plant growth.In Westercommon plans are afoot to develop the area outside the Courtyard into a community garden and we will be looking to residents to get involved so watch this space.
The foyers within each of the multi-storey blocks are almost complete and are looking great. The improvement work brings modern, tidy and welcoming entrance areas for tenants and visitors. This work highlights our ongoing commitment to improve and develop our housing stock.
Multi-storey foyers near completion
After AfterBefore
westercommon & hamiltonhill Community involvement group Action Plan
Community involvement group
• Upgradethe4WestercommonMulti -storey foyers.
• Trafficcalmingandtrafficcontrolfor residents and children going to andfromNewSchoolatBenviewCampusfromtheWestercommon/Hamiltonhill Areas.
• WorktowardsexpandingtheCourtyard services and enhance its position as being the hub of the community.
This will include: • Developacommunitygarden• UpgradeofCourtyardHall• Upgradeofcomputerstoallow
Courtyard to continue as a learning hub.
• Developunusedcarparkatside of the Courtyard Building as a learning area.
• Hamiltonhillclearancearea.
NAME ADDRESS1. Gordon Bremner Salmona Street 2. JosieO’Sullivan WestercommonRoad3. Michelle Lyttle Westercommon Road4. Liz Campbell Westercommon Road5. Gil Curtis Westercommon Road6. Sadie Gordon Westercommon Road Board appointment 7. Marilyn Clewes Panmure Close Board appointment
19Puzzles
feeling Puzzled?
riddle corner
Celebrity wordsearchsudokuCornerFill in the 9x9 Sudoku grid with digits 1-9 such that each of these 9 digits appears in each row, each column and each 3x3 sub-grid once.
Can you solve our riddle?
I am the beginning of the end, and the end of time and space. I am essential to creation, and I surround every place. What am I?
Simply find the celebrities names in the grid below
8 9 6 2 1
7
5 2 3 9 7
9 2 6
9 4
1 4 5
8 6 1 9 3
6
9 2 5 6 8
Puzzle 1 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.36)
Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/~jdhildeb/software/sudokugen/ on Mon Sep 17 17:50:06 2012 GMT. Enjoy!3 8
7 8 1 4
5 1 2
3 2 7 4 9 6
8 2 3 9 6 1
4 3 8
7 5 4 9
1 5
Puzzle 2 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.48)
Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/~jdhildeb/software/sudokugen/ on Mon Sep 17 17:50:06 2012 GMT. Enjoy!
JohnnyDeppDaniel RadcliffeBen StillerEddie Murphy
Emma WatsonJenniferAnistonNicoleKidmanAnne Hathaway
Mike MyersJackBlackJimCarryTom Hanks
Last issue’s answersa) wrong b) your name
When you have finished withthis magazine please recycle it.
When you have finished withthis magazine please recycle it.
Main Offi ce45 Firhill Road, Glasgow, G20 7BETel – 0141 945 3003
The Courtyard2 Westercommon Drive, Glasgow, G20 5PGTel – 0141 336 3444
Email: [email protected]: www.qcha.org.uk
QC FactoringSuite 12 – Firhill Business Centre74 – 76 Firhill Road, Glasgow, G20 7BATel: 0141 561 1105 Email: [email protected]: www.qcfactoring.co.uk
Out of hours emergency number:
QC HA Tenants - 0808 143 2002
Handyperson service (over 65s)For small jobs around the homeService provided by CordiaMonday to Friday - 8.30am to 5pmTel – 0141 0800 587 2239www.cordia.co.uk
get in touch Our offi ce opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
The Garscube Community Foundation can help you with a unique Christmas present.The Association is setting up Christmas trees at Queens Cross, Dundasvale, Woodside and Westercommon/Hamiltonhill with hundreds of lights shining throughout the festive season.Youcannominatealightinmemory of someone who has passed away this year, or as
a gift to a family member or friend, to celebrate a new baby or to remember someone who won’t be at home this Christmas. The choice is yours. Shine the Light!How do I get a light on the tree of my choice? It’s simple, just complete the form below and send or deliver your donation to: The Community Services Administration Team, The
Garscube Community Foundation, Queens Cross Housing Association, 45 Firhill Road, Glasgow, G20 7BE. Cheques should be made payable to The Garscube Community Foundation.In return, you will receive a gift bulb card for your personal inscription and a light will shine on the tree for your nominee.
shine the Light!CHRISTMAS LIGHT BULB APPEAL
Name
Address
Telephone
I would like a Christmas Light to shine throughout the festive season for : (person’s name)
atQueensCross atWestercommon/Hamiltonhill
at Dundasvale at Woodside Please accept my donation to The Garscube Community Foundation £1 £2 £5 £10 Other
Data Protection ActPlease note that the information provided by you on this form will be held on computer or other relevant fi ling systems and may be shared with other accredited agencies in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998
✁CHRISTMAS LIGHT BULB APPEAL
Strathclyde Police is working in partnership with Queens Cross Housing Association and other partner agencies across the city, with the aim of tackling anti-social behaviour in your community and to ‘Keep People Safe’.Strathclyde Police would like to encourage residents of the local community to contact them regarding any incident of antisocial behaviour or violence. In an emergency always dial 999. For non-urgent crimes, contact your local police offi ce on our main contact number - 0141 532 2000. Crimestoppers is available to those who wish to pass on information about crime anonymously. Crimestoppers is independent to Strathclyde Police and guarantees anonymity, which means that no-one can ever fi nd out who passed on the information.
To pass on information about crime anonymously, call Crimestoppers on - 0800 555 111.
about crime anonymously, call Crimestoppers on -
Policing Partnerships
