New partnership to offer wellbeing support and advice to more than 280 tenants

Reaching an estimated 850 tenants over the next three years, the increased provision will include support targeted at families around three key areas: money and debt, welfare rights and wellbeing support.

The new partnership comes in response to Rutherglen and Cambuslang HA’s recent Board and staff strategy planning event which, together with local Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) data, highlighted significant need for welfare rights and financial support in their area, in particular for families.

Keen to tackle this, and already aware of the wider welfare rights and wellbeing work being delivered by West of Scotland Housing Association and charitable subsidiary Willowacre Trust, RCHA approached WSHA to explore how the organisations could work together to strengthen local support for tenants and residents.

A joint bid from the three organisations secured 3-year continuation funding from Advice UK which will allow WSHA and Willowacre Trust’s current team to be joined by another part-time member of staff. The Advice in Accessible Settings project team will work collaboratively with colleagues across RCHA and WSHA to provide accessible community-based support to any families who need it. 

Robert Campbell, WSHA’s director of housing & community services, said: “This partnership is a really positive example of how housing associations can work together to achieve more for the communities we serve.

“By combining our experience, local knowledge and shared values, we’re able to extend practical support to families who need it most, in a way that is accessible and locally-rooted.

“Rutherglen and Cambuslang Housing Association is a highly respected, community-focused organisation with a deep understanding of the families and neighbourhoods it serves.

“Their strong local insight, clear sense of purpose and commitment to supporting people made them a natural and complementary partner for West of Scotland Housing Association and Willowacre Trust, and one we’re delighted to be working alongside. We are keen to build on this approach and continue working collaboratively where it helps us do more, and do better, for our tenants and communities.”

Angela Spence, CEO of Rutherglen & Cambuslang HA, said: “I am delighted on behalf of Rutherglen and Cambuslang Housing Association to commence partnership working with West of Scotland HA and Willowacre Trust to deliver targeted support for our families who are often struggling to make ends meet within our communities.

“This three-year project allows the Association to enhance its wider role provision and deliver on our mission statement of ‘Providing a home, not just a house’. WSHA and Willowacre Trust are long-established and as a neighbouring Association, are an excellent strategic fit for expanding the services we provide to our customers.”