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'Hopes for Forestry Scheme To Branch Out'
(Posted 4th June 2013)
A new woodland strategy for Glasgow and the Clyde Valley was launched at Castlemilk Stables yesterday (Monday 3rd June 2013) with aims to support the economy, the environment and improve the lives of those living in the surrounding areas. This strategy was launched by Environment & Climate Change Minister, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, who came to see the tremendous work that has gone into Castlemilk Park.
The attached file is a version of the news artcle in today's paper and this article can also be read on The Hearld Online at - http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/hopes-for-forestry-scheme-to-branch-out.21253639
The Hearld Newspaper Article
'Bedroom Tax Will Hurt Children'
(Posted 21 March 2013)
Clair Malpas, Regeneration Manager, recently spoke at the Scottish Parliment and gave her verdict upon the newly imposed Bedroom Tax. Her views attracted the interest of local newspaper The Evening Times who requested an interview.
The full article can be read by following the link: http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/msps-warned-bedroom-tax-will-hurt-children-118933n.20550308
Help to improve social landlord services…
(published 8th March 2013)
The Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) regulates all social landlords in Scotland, and is setting up a new National Panel for users of social landlord services. All people who use social landlord services are invited to join the Panel – including tenants, homeless households, home owners who receive factoring or common repairs services, and Gypsies/Travellers using Council or housing association sites. Every new Panel member will be entered into a prize draw to win one of 6 x £50 prizes.
To join or find out more…
Sign up online at bit.ly/nat-panel
OR call Craigforth (who manage the Panel) on 0800 027 2245
OR email Craigforth on shr@craigforth.co.uk
Burns Supper 2013
(Published 4 March 2013)
On 25th January we held Cassiltoun's annual Over 50 Burns Supper Night.
With a range of music, guest speakers, entertainment and a lovely supper a great time was had by our tenants and staff alike!
We would like to issue a huge thank you to all our staff who helped out, our tenants who braved to cold to attend and everyone else who made it happen.
Christmas Cheer for Cassiltoun Residents.
(Published 17th December 2012)
Cassiltoun staff and Board have been working hard to help our tenants enjoy this festive period.
Cash for Kids have again supported our organisation and has awarded us £10,300 to be distributed to residents with children under 16.
As part of our festive activities we organised a trip to the SECC pantomime and the 210 children, parents and grandparents that attended agreed that it was the best yet.
Finally Father Christmas made an unscheduled appearance on the streets of Castlemilk on the 15th December. He would like to thank City Building for the loan of their sleigh and Cash for Kids for the extra selection boxes.
Museum Case Opens at the Stables
(Published 5th December 2012)
Wednesday 5th December 2012 was another significant day in the history of Cassiltoun Trust and the Stables building project.
The Trust, since its early days, prioritised promoting the rich heritage and history of Castlemilk and we are delighted that we now have a display cabinet which will allow us to display items from the past that local people and visitors can enjoy.
Anna Stuart MBE, Chair of Cassiltoun Trust stated “back in 2007 when we completed the renovation of the Stables, the display cabinet project was shelved due to financial constraints but we never gave up and I am thankful to our funder “Glasgow Heritage Trust” and to “Glasgow City Museums” for their support helping us to achieve one of our early goals.
Anne McChlery, Director of Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, officially opened the Museum Cabinet.
Torsten Haak, Director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust comments “We are delighted to support Castlemilk Stables with the purchase of the new museum case. The local area’s heritage is rich and diverse and we hope this new interpretation material will help in promoting it to visitors to the building.”
Cassiltoun Housing Association takes ownership of Castlemilk East Parish Church
(Published 30th November 2012)
Cassiltoun Housing Association took ownership of Castlemilk East Church on Friday 30 November 2012. The Association will develop plans and ideas over the next few months on how best to use the church building in future years.
Teresa Sadler Chair of Cassiltoun HA said
“Taking ownership of the church is an exciting new venture for Cassiltoun. The Association will work hard to create plans that will bring new services to the local community. We will explore a range of options and will work closely with local groups and people to develop our plans. We intend to attract new investment which will enhance the existing facilities. We aim to offer as much opportunity for local people by creating new jobs, training and leisure time activity. It will not be easy but we are determined. We also wish to create a legacy which respects the 60 years that the church has served the local community and people.”
There will be opportunities to attend consultation events in the spring and summer of 2013. There will be a feature in our Spring newsletter and Clair Malpas, our Regeneration Manager will be seeking your views.
Photograph of Minister, Sarah Brown handing over the keys of the Church to John Williams from Cassiltoun Housing Association.
Cassiltoun's Depute moves to new challenge
(Published 19th November 2012)
The Associations depute CEO Fiona McTaggart has moved on to take up the position of Chief Executive at Govan Housing Association. Fiona worked for Cassiltoun Housing Association for 20 years.
Cassiltoun's Chief Executive, Charlie Millar, said:
'Fiona will be missed by her colleagues and many friends at Cassiltoun and across Castlemilk. I would like to thank Fiona for her contribution, helping to make Cassiltoun the diverse and efficient organisation we are today.
On behalf of our Board and Staff team we wish Fiona every success in her new role as the CEO of Govan HA'
Is your home too small for your household? Too big now that the kids have left home? Or do you need to move for work, training or other reasons?
(Published 1st October 2012)
Cassiltoun Housing Association is pleased to announce that it has signed up to a mutual exchange matching website for use by its tenants FREE of charge. HomeSwapper is quick and easy to use with powerful and effective matching of people and properties.
If you register at www.homeswapper.co.uk, once your entry on the website has been approved by us, you will be able to access information about tenants throughout the UK who wish to exchange properties, as well as details of those wishing to move here. HomeSwapper will also email you at regular intervals with details of suitable exchange partners. If you do not have access to the internet, HomeSwapper will send you details of suitable exchange partners via your mobile phone every two weeks.
Members of the site can register the details of the property they currently live in, post photographs of their home and specify the type of property they want to move to and where.
If you do not have access to the internet yourself there are other ways for you to register and access the Homeswapper website;
· Family or friends
· Local libraries have internet access available to the public, as well as internet cafes
If you have any queries with this scheme please feel free to contact any member of the Operations Team who will be able to assist you.
Cassiltoun Housing Association is now a member of Happy to Translate.
Published 01/10/12
Happy to Translate is a unique and innovative national scheme which bridges communication gaps between organisations and service users who struggle to communicate in English.
It is an award-winning not-for-profit initiative which uses an easily recognised logo and specialist tools and training to help people to overcome communication barriers. It enables people to receive information and services on an equal basis, in keeping with legislative requirements on equality issues.
As well as helping service users, it benefits organisations whose front line staff are trained to deal professionally with service users who are non-fluent English speakers. It also strengthens relationships between organisations and communities they serve.
Castlemilk Community Woodlands - Finalist at Scottish Green Awards
Published 06/10/12
The multi-agency project was a finalist in the category of 'Best Community Initiative'. Although the project did not win the overall award the judges at the awards ceremony in October 2012 stated they were impressed with the outcomes that have been achieved.
Chief Executive; Charlie Millar collects award for the Ernst & Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2012
Published 01/07/2012
Cassiltoun HA Chief Executive Charlie Millar was awarded the Ernst & Young “Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2012”. The award is in recognition of the social impact that Cassiltoun Housing Association has made in our community over recent years.
Charlie was happy to accept the award on behalf of the team at Cassiltoun HA and Trust who have helped to bring about improvements in our community.
Charlie is pictured receiving his award from Susan Aktemel the 2011 winner.
MBE For Anna Stuart
Published 25/06/12 Anna Stuart has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Years Honours List for services to Housing and Regeneration in Castlemilk, Glasgow.
Clare Newton, Chair of EVH, said: "EVH believed that Anna Stuart's superb contribution to housing in Scotland should receive some formally recognition. So we are delighted she has been given this recognition in the New Year's Honour's list.
"Anna was recognised by EVH in 2004 when she won our Committee Member of the Year Award. At that time she had nearly 25 years involvement in pushing for and achieving better housing for Castlemilk. But she has been at the forefront of Scottish community activism and housing now for over 30 years and there is hardly a major issue that she hasn't been involved in."
In her career, she has launched community ownership housing in 80's Glasgow; created local community businesses; run local youth club and set up a food co-operative; was on the Advisory Panel to the Children's Panel 1986-1998; was Chair of local Transport Group; was involved in the Second Stage transfer from GHA; was a board member of Secondary Housing Association in early 90's; created a joint service agency; and many more.
Cassiltoun has been her main interest and she represents them faithfully to EVH every month. They have grown from 90 houses to now over 1,000 today. Her interest in achieving real change has involved her in many projects which prove they are more than just a landlord.
The best recent example is the Cassiltoun Trust, which regenerated the award winning "stables" building in Castlemilk.
Clare added: "Anna is one of life's optimists. She brings lots of energy, enthusiasm and ideas to all her many endeavors (and with a smile too). This is even more impressive when you know that she is a proud mother and granny too. Scotland is a better place for the contribution of Anna and her colleagues and it is about time we celebrated them more."
70 Machrie Road Winner Scottish Home Award 2012 - Care Home
Published 30/06/12 Congratulations to WD Architects who won the Scottish Home Award for the conversion of 70 Machrie Road from office accommodation to Care Home. The contractor on this development was Stewart and Shields. Cassiltoun Housing Associations' Chief Executive Officer said; “It is really satisfying to see our old office after this fantastic conversion making such a difference to people’s lives. The association is very proud of this award and well done to all those involved in the design team and planning of the project” "Fair Deal is very proud to have been involved in the award winning design of the winner of the Scottish Homes Care Home of the Year development. WD Harley are outstanding and their commitment to involve people with a learning disability in the design sets them apart from their peers. They are very worthy winners of this award." Ann Marie Docherty Director
James Dornan, MSP, Welcomes Anna Stuart to Parliment
Cathcart MSP James Dornan welcomed well known Castlemilk housing campaigner and MBE, Anna Stuart, to the Scottish Parliament.
Anna, who was recently included in the Queen’s honours list for her services to campaigning for quality housing, has been a committed campaigner for quality social housing for over 30 years.
Local MSP James Dornan wrote to Anna congratulating her on her honour, and invited her through to Parliament to congratulate her in person.
Speaking after the visit, James Dornan said:
“It was a real honour to Have both Anna Stuart and Charlie Millar (Chief Executive of Cassiltoun Housing Association) through here in Parliament and she was delighted that First Minister Alex Salmond took some time to have a chat with her about the work that she does.
“Although this visit was primarily to congratulate Anna on receiving her honour, we had a very useful discussion about the role that Housing Associations can play in local communities.
“Cassiltoun Housing Association has taken on the role of much more than a landlord, but as a social partner in the community, and that is in no small way thanks to Anna herself, who has been a real driving force for positive change in Castlemilk over the years.
“Cassiltoun are always looking at ways to invest in new jobs, apprenticeships for local people and generally improve the community fabric of Castlemilk. They are a genuine social enterprise with the local community at its heart.
“I commend the work of Anna, Charlie and all the board members, staff and tenants of Cassiltoun who have worked extremely hard to make Castlemilk a better community – I am in no doubt that Castlemilk is a better place for their efforts.”
Minister for Public Health launches Craft Café SROI
Minister for Public Health Michael Matheson said:
“I very much welcome activities such as Craft Café that tackle older people’s isolation and its negative consequences, for example a decline in good mental health. Such activities not only bring together individuals and communities, but also improve their overall health and well-being.”
“I believe that such activities can have a positive effect on shifting the balance of care away from the unnecessary or inappropriate use of hospital and institutional care towards strong community-based supports which enable older people to remain living healthily, happily and independently in their own communities.”
Craft Café offers a range of creative activities supported by a professional artist and the opportunity to socialise with peers. Craft Café members attend for free and are encouraged to take the lead on their own learning with a constant supply of materials and access to expertise. There is also the opportunity to sell their works at local craft sales and to exhibit in settings such as the Peoples Palace.
Charlie Millar CEO of Cassiltoun Housing Association said:
“Cassiltoun Housing Association`s role within the community goes beyond our landlord role as we face huge challenges supporting our elderly and vulnerable tenants. The success of Craft Cafe illustrates perfectly what we and our partners are trying to achieve. I would like to thank the Scottish Government for their funding support and also Impact Arts for their cutting edge approach to community development, which benefits many of our elderly and vulnerable tenants .What has been achieved is truly inspirational and I am pleased that the SROI report validates the return on investment.”
The SROI study was undertaken by the Social Value Lab and focuses on the impact of the Craft Café on reducing the isolation and loneliness experienced by older people. Attending the Café enables them to make positive lifestyle changes associated with ageing and, ultimately, to bring about a better quality of life.
Report on Craft Cafe SROI
MSP Enjoys Visit To Association
Local MSP James Dornan seen here pictured with CEO Charlie Millar when he visited Cassiltoun HA on Friday 30 September. Mr Dornan was on a fact finding mission to update himself not only on the diverse work and services provided by Cassiltoun but he was also keen to find out how he could support the Association in the future. Mr Dornan was also interested local issues that affect people and how he could help
Cassiltoun Housing Association Awarded Investors in People Gold Standard
Cassiltoun go for GOLD
Published 01/03/2012
Cassiltoun has recently been re-assessed by Investors in People. Over the past 8 months the assessor has been speaking to the staff and Anna Stuart our Chairperson to see whether the staff and Board believe that they are valued by the organisation; their opinions listened to and acted upon and whether they get the opportunity to develop their skills.
Cassiltoun Housing Association got a glowing report and has been awarded the Gold Standard. Some of the comments made by the assessor were:
‘I have no doubt that your success comes, in part, through the way you manage and develop your people. Your teamwork and enthusiasm are making a big impact on your results ’
‘You are constantly trying to improve the services you offer in all areas of your business’
‘I loved the friendly and helpful atmosphere you create; not just for me, but for all those in the community who use your services’
Having set this high standard we now have the challenge to maintain it as we have to ensure we are continuously improving. The organisation is confident that we can achieve this.
‘This is a fantastic achievement, following a vigorous assessment, and shows the investment, time and importance we place on developing our staff pays off. The Associations overall performance is excellent and continues to improve year on year. We could not achieve our success without the dedication and hard work of our staff who are clearly motivated by first class working conditions’.
Charlie Millar, Chief Executive
‘The Board are delighted to become a Gold Standard employer. We pride ourselves in being a good landlord and obviously we need good staff to achieve the highest standards as a Housing Association. It is important we retain our status and we will therefore continue to implement the best in good practice and invest in our staff team. The results of our investment have been magnificent’.
Anna Stuart, Chairperson
£400,000 Office Revamp Creates Homes Offering Independent Living
New homes offering independent living for people with physical and learning difficulties have been created from vacant Glasgow offices.
Cassiltoun Housing Association has transformed disused offices in Machrie Drive, Castlemilk, into six new flats at a cost of £400,000. The offices were used by the housing association before it relocated to its award-winning headquarters in the restored Castlemilk Stables.
An extension has been added to the original building to create five one bedroom properties and one two bedroom property. The larger flat has been designed to accommodate overnight support and there is also wheelchair access on the ground floor. The conversion began in February this year and it was completed at the end of last month (August).
Cassiltoun Housing Association worked on the project in conjunction with Fair Deal – a charity based in Castlemilk, which works with people with learning difficulties. Four of the six tenants were identified early in the process and, along with their support workers, were involved in the design process.
Charlie Millar, Chief Executive of Cassiltoun Housing Association, said: “It’s satisfying to see these former offices put to good use providing independent living for tenants with specialist requirements. There is a dire shortage of this type of accommodation and these properties have been designed to offer life enhancing homes for tenants.”
Anne Marie Docherty of Fair Deal said: “It has been a pleasure to work on this exciting project with Cassiltoun Housing Association. We have been involved at every stage in the development and the architects have designed the accommodation around each individual’s needs, wishes and aspirations.”
New homes offering independent living for people with physical and learning difficulties have been created from vacant Glasgow offices.
Cassiltoun Housing Association have transformed disused offices in Machrie Drive, Castlemilk, into six new flats at a cost of £400,000. The offices were used by the housing association before it relocated to its award-winning headquarters in the restored Castlemilk Stables.
An extension has been added to the original building to create five one bedroom properties and one two bedroom property. The larger flat has been designed to accommodate overnight support and there is also wheelchair access on the ground floor. The conversion began in February this year and it was completed at the end of last month (August).
Cassiltoun Housing Association worked on the project in conjunction with Fair Deal – a charity based in Castlemilk, which works with people with learning difficulties. Four of the six tenants were identified early in the process and, along with their support workers, were involved in the design process.
Charlie Millar, Chief Executive of Cassiltoun Housing Association, said: “It’s satisfying to see these former offices put to good use providing independent living for tenants with specialist requirements. There is a dire shortage of this type of accommodation and these properties have been designed to offer life enhancing homes for tenants.”
Anne Marie Docherty of Fair Deal said: “It has been a pleasure to work on this exciting project with Cassiltoun Housing Association. We have been involved at every stage in the development and the architects have designed the accommodation around each individual’s needs, wishes and aspirations.”
Glasgow City Council supported the project providing almost 60% of the costs through Housing Association Grant. Cassiltoun Housing Association provided the remaining £170,000.
Councillor Sadie Docherty performed the official opening ceremony.
She said: “Projects such as this are truly life-changing for the people involved. There is such a shortage of this type of accommodation and I know the residents are absolutely delighted with their new homes which will make the world of difference to them.”
The design team was led by W.D. Harley Architects – the firm which originally designed the offices. The other team members were Edwards Macdowall Consulting; Langmuir and Hay; Ramage Young; Hulley and Kirkwood; John Arnott Associates; CDM Scotland and Stewart and Shields. Impact Arts also helped the tenants choose kitchen fittings and colour schemes for their new homes.
Benchmarking Results for 2011
Please see below to compare Cassiltoun Housing Associations Performance against 43 other Registered Social Landlords in relation to the Key Performance Indicators.
Cassiltoun Housing Association's results are indicated in the light blue columns.
The Association is delighted with this years performance which places Cassiltoun's performance in the top quartile. We have demonstrated continuous improvement both in terms of performance and delivering best value.
