Meetings were originally arranged to support tenants to come together, find out what’s happening in the area, and discuss shared issues and concerns.

Facilitated by NGHA’s tenant participation officer, the meetings are always attended by members of NGHA staff to allow any housing and repair issues to be addressed.

The group also invite elected representatives, Glasgow City Council officials, the community police team and other local organisations to engage with them.

This September, NGHA tenant Karina Melian invited her local MP to join the Ukrainian tenant and resident group meeting to discuss issues and share their experiences. They welcomed John Grady, local MP for Glasgow East, who helped out with information on various matters, including Visas, and how to raise issues with their MP and UK government services.

In return, the group presented Mr Grady with Ukrainian gifts as a thank you for attending and to show their appreciation for Gorbals being a friendly and welcoming place.

Since spring 2023, NGHA has re-housed more than 100 displaced Ukrainian men, women and children, thanks to funding from the Scottish Government’s Ukrainian Longer Term Resettlement Fund (ULTRF).

Around £1.6 million in funding was granted by the Scottish Government to modernise 52 previously void properties in Gorbals, improving them to a standard where they could once again function as homes in the area. Household compositions vary from single persons to couples with two children. There are 20 children in total, including one who has been born here in Scotland.

In addition to the regular tenants and residents meetings, Ukrainian tenants have also formed their own community groups, including a choir and art group.

As part of NGHA’s Tenant Participation Strategy, the tenant participation officer facilitates a number of meetings across the Gorbals each month, similar to the Ukrainian group meeting. Tenants and residents meet to discuss the issues important to them, with representatives from NGHA and other authorities present, such as the Glasgow City Council and community police. There’s also an online meeting for those who can’t make it in person.

For a full list of upcoming meetings, please visit the NGHA website for more information.