A healthier home and a brighter future for Pennyburn residents

The theme of this year’s campaign, Healthy Homes, Healthy Futures, recognises the vital role good quality housing plays in supporting physical health, mental wellbeing and quality of life.

Within its Pennyburn community, a major retrofit programme in partnership with Union Technical Services is transforming homes, improving energy efficiency and creating warmer, more comfortable living environments.

Earlier this year, the programme won Large-scale Project of the Year at the Scotland Energy Efficiency Awards 2026 and has recently been shortlisted for both National Large Scale Project Award and the prestigious National Housing Association Award at the National Energy Efficiency Awards, and Excellence in Regeneration and Sustainability at the upcoming CIH Scotland awards, placing the project among the UK’s leading examples of energy efficiency best practice.

The investment programme has included new roofing, solar panels, external and cavity wall insulation, new windows, doors and kitchens. A modern low-carbon heating system is also being installed. These improvements are helping to create homes that are warmer, more energy efficient and easier to maintain, while supporting residents to reduce their energy use and enjoy greater comfort throughout the year.   

For residents, the impact goes beyond the physical improvements.

Norah Mooney has had her home significantly upgraded and is delighted with the works: “It’s like moving into a new house. I’ve had a new roof, new windows and doors, all the cladding and exterior renewed and a beautiful new kitchen. I love baking so it’s a joy having a gorgeous new kitchen to work in!

“The house feels much cosier and I’m just delighted with the improvements. Once the new heating system is installed, it will make an even bigger difference. I can’t thank Riverside Scotland and the Union technical team enough – it’s life-changing!”

Supporting financial wellbeing and creating healthier futures

Feeling financially secure and receiving the right support can have a significant impact on health, wellbeing and quality of life. Riverside Scotland’s affordability officer, Cath Stone, helps customers build stronger and more resilient futures.

Over the past year, Cath has helped customers maximise their income, access essential support and improve financial wellbeing.

• 180 successful claims secured £579,758.35 for tenants through expert money advice
• The Helping Hands Fund provided £8,895 in emergency support for food, fuel and furniture
• £8,281 was secured in fuel vouchers through the Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust
• The Bed Poverty Fund, delivered in partnership with Bell Group and James Frew, provided beds and bedding for families in need
• Access to the free Housing Perks app helping customers save money, stretch their budget further or put savings towards their rent
• Identifying and accessing specialist funding, benefits and support specifically available to veterans, helping customers navigate what can often be a complex system. As a former Women’s Royal Navy recruit her lived experience brings empathy, understanding and practical expertise.

This support has helped customers manage rising living costs, reduce financial pressures and maintain stable tenancies.

Cath said: “Good housing and financial wellbeing go hand in hand. By helping customers access the support they’re entitled to, we’re reducing stress, improving household stability and helping people focus on building positive futures for themselves and their families.”

Housing First for Families: creating healthy futures through stable homes

Finally, Riverside Scotland has showcased how its award-winning Housing First for Families service is helping families build healthier futures.

The service has supported 46 families into safe, permanent homes, achieving a 100% tenancy sustainment rate — significantly above the national average.

Families supported by the programme report improved wellbeing, increased confidence and greater stability, while reliance on temporary accommodation has reduced.

The success of the service has been recognised nationally.

Achievements include:

• Winner – CIH Scotland Excellence Award for Housing-Led Approach to Ending Homelessness 2025
• Shortlisted – AICO Community Awards 2026 (Tenancy Sustainment Category)
• Represented Riverside Scotland at the Homeless Network Scotland Conference 2025
• Outstanding results following an unannounced three-day inspection by the Care Inspectorate. The service was praised as “a breath of fresh air” and received a “5-very good” rating across all evaluated areas.

The service has also expanded into Dumfries in the past year, with a dedicated full-time officer supporting 15 families in the region. 

Amanda Robinson, Housing First for Families officer, covers Ayrshire and loves her job: “A stable home gives families the opportunity to focus on what matters most – their health, wellbeing and future aspirations.

“Through strong partnerships and a person-centred approach, we’re helping families create lasting and positive change, breaking the cycle of repeated homeless presentations. This service is like nothing I’ve ever delivered before. It’s one-to-one, built on trust and it works. I am so proud to be part of it!”