To mark Scottish Housing Day, Glen Oaks Housing Association launched its first-ever Estate Action Week—a community-led initiative designed to improve local environments, strengthen neighbourhood connections, and celebrate the values of kindness and collaboration. The project was shaped by tenant feedback and delivered through a series of impactful activities across Arden, Darnley, and Pollok.
Challenges
One of the key challenges was coordinating estate-wide environmental improvements while ensuring tenant engagement and accessibility. Encouraging participation across diverse communities required tailored communication and support. Additionally, promoting sustainable waste practices and reducing bulk uplift waste posed logistical hurdles. These were overcome through partnership working with contractors and Glasgow City Council, and by launching tenant-led initiatives like the Glen Oaks Swap Shop.
Successes
Estate Action Week was a resounding success, with highlights including:
- Launch of the Glen Oaks Swap Shop, a tenant-led Facebook group promoting reuse and reducing landfill waste.
- Winter Coat Appeal, supported by contractor donations, helping families in need.
- Community litter picks with local residents and Ashpark Primary School pupils.
- “Bring to us” uplift service by Caledonian Services and support for tenants using Glasgow City Council’s bulk uplift service.
- Partnership with GCC Streetscene Teams, who de-littered and weeded common areas and streets.
- Installation of hanging baskets throughout Arden and completion of a gable end mural, enhancing the local environment.
- Celebration of garden competition winners and Good Neighbour Awards, with 46 nominations received and three winners recognised for their outstanding contributions.
- 10-year anniversary of the Service Improvement Group, which has delivered over 200 service improvements since 2015.
- Meaningful consultation on close cleaning and bulk waste services and the launch of our Estates Service Satisfaction Survey.
These activities reflected the theme of Scottish Housing Day – “Everyone Needs Good Neighbours”—and demonstrated how housing is about more than buildings; it’s about the people who make those places feel like home.
Supporting Information
- Estate Action Plans
- Article on Estate Action Week
- Glen Oaks Swap Shop Facebook Group (community-led reuse initiative)
- Photos/videos from Awards night, litter picking and Swap Shop.
- Photos of winning gardens and Service Improvement Group.
- Extracts of good neighbour nomination quotes
- Pdf of close cleaning and bulk survey