Linthouse HA mural
CBHAs and the Power of Partnership Working
Community Based Housing Associations (CBHAs) have a long history of working with a diverse range of partners, both at grass-roots level within their communities and outwith. CBHAs’ holistic approach has always been focused on continuing to improve local physical, social, and economic environments and ultimately the lives of tenants and other local people.
Successful partnership working underpins all of this work and comprises a long list of key partners, including: local people and local community groups; other CBHAs; third sector organisations; local authorities and Health and Social Care Partnerships; the NHS; schools; churches; and the police. This list is not exhaustive, and we know that there are many others out there!
The conference highlighted some excellent examples of partnership working and considered the crucial issues around what constitutes the key ingredients of effective partnerships. It also provided an opportunity to reflect on the wider operating environment in relation to the increased pressures on both housing associations and tenants, which makes partnership working more important than ever.
Plenary sessions
- Colleen Rowan, Research & Policy Lead, GWSF, presentation with feedback from members on their partnership working activities
- Eve Young, Senior Housing Options Broker, Housing Options Scotland, and Jenn Cloughley, Occupational Therapist, NHSGCC, presentation on the award-winning Hospital to Home project, which provides housing support for spinal injuries patients
- Jamie Mallan, Interim Factoring Manager, Reidvale HA, and Chris Halliday, Director of Operations, The Halliday Foundation, presentation on the partnership to re-establish the Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre and shape its future
- Panel session with presentation led by Maureen Merrick, Operations Manager (West), Working Rite, and featuring young people and contractors who have participated in the Change That Works programme
- Aileen Carson, Neurodiversity Coach & Trainer, presentation providing an overview of neurodiversity, along with a resource sheet
Cafe sessions
- Cunninghame HA
Jennifer McCann, Executive Director of Housing & Communities, showcased the work of Cunninghame Furniture Recycling Company - Career Ready
Leanna Sinclair & Caroline Sellar, Career Ready, and Jack Devlin & Lynne McGeachan, Clydebank HA, discussed the social mobility charity’s work supporting and empowering young people aged 15-18 across Scotland - Rutherglen & Cambuslang/West of Scotland HAs
Angela Spence, CEO, Ruthergen & Cambuslang HA, & Robert Campbell, Director of Housing & Community Services, WSHA, highlighted the partnership support and advice service for tenants - Spire View HA
Gillian Spence, Corporate Governance Manager, shared the story of Roystonhill Community Hub