It’s fun and games for all at community hub

Housing association uses funding boost for new groups

Groups for people to enjoy knitting, walking and gaming have been set up as part of an innovative community project.

Linstone Housing Association is one of 22 organisations throughout Scotland which have been allocated a share of £ 4million from the Social Economy Growth Fund.

With the £ 230,287 grant, the association has set up the Linstone 20/20 project which aims to bring isolated communities together in commu n i t y hubs.

A pilot project at Belmar Court in Linwood has already been a success with many community groups using the space.

Now three more community hubs have been created in the Johnstone Castle, Sandyflats and Kint y re areas.

A team including a project coordinator, three community engagers and a youth engager are now established in post and a number of activities are underway including walking groups, delivered in partnership with Active Communities, a craft cafe, gaming sessions and a knitting group.

Important services like Renfrewshire Wide Credit Union, FLAIR welfare rights and AdviceWorks also have a presence in the hubs in a bid to make them more accessible to people in the community.

Project coordinator Debs Allan said: “The Linstone 20/20 project was shaped by the need for more community cohesion in some of Linstone’s housing areas that are the most severely impacted by poverty and inequality in Scotland.

“The project aims to leave a legacy of a vibrant and engaged local community in the four locations.

“Linstone 20/ 20 will create enduring community groups which will continue the community engagement once the project is completed.”

The gaming group for young people has been a success so far.

David Smith, youth engager for Linstone 20/20, explained: “The gaming night came about after we spoke with local parents, who told us that they wanted their children to interact more socially with each other, rather than being shut in their rooms communicating solely t h ro u g h o n l i n e gaming.

“We thought it would be an excellent idea to use the community hub to encourage the young people to come along and play together in company, in a warm, welcoming and inclusive space.

“The response has been great – not just from the young people, but from the parents themselves, who have been able to use another room in the hub to have coffee and a chat, and even play some games of their own.

“During some weeks we have had young people showing their parents the games that they are playing and the parents in turn teaching them how to play card and board games.

“It’s a great opportunity to encourage that positive interaction between the generations over shared interests, which can then be grown over time to include other activities.”

The funding is backed by the Scottish Government and the European Social Fund and lasts for two years.

Adele Fraser, chief executive at Linstone Housing said: “Linstone have for many years been involved in wider community regeneration.

“In this, our 20th year, we are excited to be expanding the Community Hub we have developed in partnership with local tenants and residents in the Linwood area, to be able to offer similar support to local people in other parts of Renfrewshire.”

For more information and to find out more about the community hubs, go to linstone. co.uk or give them a ring on 01505 382 383.