The team helped 1,763 households during 2025/26, providing practical support at a time when many residents continue to face cost-of-living pressures, rising energy bills and uncertainty around welfare reform.

For many households, independent advice plays a vital role in sustaining tenancies, preventing financial hardship and supporting long-term financial stability, while helping people remain in their homes, improve their wellbeing and build resilience during challenging times.

In total, the service handled 4,205 cases, helping residents maximise their income, manage debt and heat their homes, helping to reduce poverty and financial inequality across local communities.

The impact of the service was also reflected in tenant feedback, with the Advice Services Team achieving a 100% satisfaction rating in the Association’s recent Tenant Satisfaction Survey.

Welfare rights officers supported customers to access the benefits they were entitled to and helped many clients through the transition to Universal Credit. This included support with claims, checking awards, challenging decisions and assisting to manage online accounts. Over the year, the team assisted with 2,515 benefit issues and claims, helping households receive the correct income and reducing financial uncertainty.

Debt remained a significant concern for many households. The team provided support to 113 households, including 84 new clients, helping them manage debt totalling more than £104,000. More than £59,000 of debt was successfully written off.

This support helped residents regain control of their finances and reduce the stress associated with unmanageable debt.

Southside Housing Association’s Advice Services are provided through a means of internal and external funding, allowing some services to be offered to both Association tenants and the wider community. Services have also been provided to Craigdale Housing Association, Cathcart and District Housing Association and New Gorbals Housing Association.

The Southside Energy Advice project, launched in June 2024 and funded by the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme, has played a key role in helping residents stay warm and manage bills. So far, the project has assisted 1,121 households, achieving more than £222,000 in financial gains.

Support has included access to grants for energy debt, savings through energy efficiency measures, help to resolve bill and meter issues, and advice on how to get the best value from heating systems.

Ruth McCluskey, Southside Housing Association’s chairperson, said: “The achievements of the Advice Services Team highlight the importance of accessible, high-quality support services. Their work not only improves the financial circumstances of clients but also enhances wellbeing and resilience within our communities.”

One customer said: “The service is outstanding. The support I received was incredible and much needed, and I don’t know what I would have done without it. My stress was eased knowing I had such a great team supporting me with my issues.”

Looking ahead, the team remains committed to expanding its reach and ensuring barriers are removed to accessing support. As part of Southside Housing Association’s wider, holistic approach to sustaining tenancies, the Advice Services Team works alongside housing and community services to help residents overcome financial challenges, maintain stable homes and improve their wellbeing.

By responding to changing community needs, the service aims to ensure residents across Glasgow’s southside can continue to access trusted advice and tailored support when they need it most.