WED 4th APRIL 12 – 4pm

The newsletter of Thistle Housing Association Spring 2018 COMMUNITY FunFun DayDay AT CORNERSTONE HALL, 26 GLENMORE AVENUE TORYGLEN A whole lot of fun with something for everyone!

Funfair food & drink FREE Games and Activities EVENT! Stalls for all ages Bouncy Castle Pony Riding Face painting Fire Easter Bunny Brigade and giveaways And lots MORE!! Questions? Like to enquire about taking a stall? Contact Carly: [email protected] M: 07519104656 T: 0141 613 2700

Thistle HA Performance...... p2 Stronger community...... p 6-9 INSIDE: Universal Credit...... p3 Garden competition...... p10 4 apartment waiting list...... p4 Apprenticeship opportunity...... p14 Performance – Quarter 3 The past few months have been difficult for the Association with the delays in the Energy Works Programme, however, we are happy to report that this has had no impact on our performance across all other areas of the business. As the table below indicates, the Association continues to perform well against the targets set.

Target Achieved 2017/18 Dec 2017 Q3 1 Gross rent arrears as a % of Gross rental income 3.5% 1.95% 2 Non Technical Arrears as a % of Gross Rental Income 1.8% 0.96% 3 Technical Arrears as a % of Gross Rental Income 1.7% 0.99% 4 Void Rent Loss as % of gross rental income 0.17% 0.06% 5 Average re-let time for voids 10 days 7 days 6 % of tenancies sustained (where DOE in last 12 months) 100% 98.1% 7 Average time taken to complete Emergency Repairs 3 hours 2 hours 8 Average time taken to complete Non Emergency Repairs 5 Days 2 days 9 % of reactive repairs carried out Right First Time 95% 99% 10 Gas Certificates % completed within 12 months of previous certificate 100% 100%

Thistle HA Housing Association How do we compare to other Group Average Housing Associations? Rent Arrears 1.95% 3.57% We compare our performance against another 6 Average time taken to 7.1 days 42.0 days housing associations across every quarter. relet a house The table below lets you see how we are performing in the key areas of the business against the average Average time taken 3.9 days 3.4 days of this group at the end of December 2017. to complete Non Emergency Repairs The Importance Of Paying Your Rent It’s important to pay your rent on time. We can help if Difficulty paying your rent? you’re worried about your ability to pay. To stay in a Thistle home everyone has to pay rent. Your rent pays If you’re behind with your rent or worried for the services you receive from us, including the maintenance about your rent payments, you should and management of your home. Paying your rent is your contact us immediately. We can help. responsibility and if you fail to pay you risk losing your Call your Housing Officer: home. Angela Welch It is very important that you pay your rent on time. On the Tracy McLaughlin opposite page you will see the various ways you can pay your rent. 0141 613 2700 Our dedicated Rent Housing Officers are here to help you and will Your home is at risk if you do not keep up discuss and agree payment options with you which meet your with rent payments. individual needs.

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housing association ltd. Money Matters

If you are on a low income, you understand benefit decisions. For you may be entitled to Housing more information you can call Lesley Benefit to help pay your rent. on 0141 613 2700 or email her at [email protected] Lesley can Our specially trained Welfare Rights offer free and impartial advice to • Housing benefit Officer, Lesley Johnston, can provide Thistle tenants on: • Council tax benefit you with free and impartial advice on a • Community care grants range of benefits you may be entitled • Universal Credit • Carers’ allowance to, including Housing Benefit. Lesley • Benefits checks • Pension credit will help you claim for these benefits, • Personal Independent Payment • Appeals assist you to complete forms and help • Employment Support Allowance • Energy advice. “Full Service”

Thistle HA Housing Association is coming to … Group Average Universal Credit is due to go “full service” in Glasgow in September/ Rent Arrears 1.95% 3.57% October 2018. At the moment only single jobseekers claim Universal Not a Thistle tenant but Average time taken to 7.1 days 42.0 days Credit, but from then on, ALL new claims for income-related benefits will relet a house be on the new Universal Credit live system. If you are already on income- need help? Not to worry! related benefits you will not be affected yet, this will only affect new Toryglen Law and Money Advice Average time taken 3.9 days 3.4 days claims, but you should still make sure you are getting ready now by: to complete Non hold a surgery in our office • Getting online if possible and setting up an e-mail account Emergency Repairs every Friday 10am – 12. Open • Making sure you have a bank account to everyone. No appointment • Working out your finances on a monthly budget necessary. Challenging a benefit decision How to Pay your Rent or Did you know that if you make a should always keep this notice as you’ll benefit claim and you don’t agree with need it if you want to go to appeal. Factoring Accounts the outcome then you can challenge If you are still unhappy with the Here are five different ways the decision? You do this by asking decision, you can at this stage appeal tenants and owners can make for what’s known as a Mandatory to the Tribunal Service. Once again, their rent or factoring payments Reconsideration, but you only have this has to be done within a month of – simply choose which one suits one month from the date on your receiving the letter of reconsideration. you best: decision letter to do this, unless there Your appeal would then be heard by • By Allpay card at one of the are special reasons that caused a delay. an independent body called a First paypoint outlets You can do this either by telephone tier tribunal and you would then or in writing, but it is always better have the opportunity to explain your • By phoning Allpay direct using to send a letter so that you can prove circumstances to this panel. one of your debit cards that you made the request within the If you are a Tenant of Thistle Housing • On-Line direct to Allpay one month window, and so that you Association and think you would like • On-Line banking have a record of what you said. to challenge a benefit decision and you • By posting a cheque made The Mandatory Reconsideration gives need help with any of this, make an appointment to discuss this with our payable to Thistle Housing the DWP the chance to look at your Association claim again, and to change their Welfare Rights Officer. Lesley will be decision if they think that they have able to help and advise you and, if you • By contacting your bank or made a mistake. Once they have want, to represent you at any appeal. building society direct to set up reviewed it, they will send you a notice Contact Welfare Rights Officer Lesley a Standing Order confirming their final decision. You Johnston: 0141 613 2700

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housing association ltd. Want to live in a Anti- Thistle property? Social

Then you have to be on the waiting list! Thistle Housing Association Behaviour currently has a Waiting List causing damage to property for the properties in Toryglen, What is Anti-Social however, you need to be on Behaviour? • Young people gathering socially the list if you want to be (unless they are swearing or being considered for any properties Anti-social behaviour is any act intimidating to neighbours) which causes alarm and distress to that become available. • Being unable to park outside your someone else. It can vary from minor own home Getting on the Waiting List is easy. noise disturbances to serious criminal If you, or someone you know would activity. • DIY and car repairs (unless they are like to live in a Thistle property in taking place late at night or early in Toryglen, you need to complete one Thistle Housing Association is the morning) of our application forms. committed to helping to ensure a safe and secure environment for all • Civil disputes between neighbours You can get an application and residents. An important part of this e.g. fence boundaries medical form by commitment is to address any anti- Whilst these issues may not be dealt • Calling into the office at 26 social issues which are brought to our with as anti-social behaviour, we Glenmore Avenue to collect it attention. are happy to give advice or pass • Emailing Anti-social behaviour includes, but is information on to another agency (e.g. [email protected] not limited to, the following; police or ) • Get one by post - telephone • Noise disturbances (such as loud Jackie Wilson, Housing Assistant music, shouting, etc.) How to Report Anti-Social on 0141 613 2700 • Harassment Behaviour • Violence or threats of violence There are a number of different • Verbal abuse ways that anti-social behaviour can be reported dependant on type and 4 Apartment • Vandalism/graffiti severity; • Drug dealing By writing, phoning or emailing Thistle Violence, suspected drug dealing and Housing Association Availability serious harassment should be reported By phoning on 101 or to the police in the first instance. The Association does not 999 have a huge Waiting List for 4 What is not Anti-Social By contacting Community Safety apartment tenement properties Glasgow on 0141 287 6688 (24 hours (3 bedrooms). All of these Behaviour? a day) properties are located on the There are some types of behaviour Any issues or complaints can be made 1st to 3rd floor levels. If you or that we do not class as anti-social and anyone you know would like to anonymously to any of the above therefore may not be investigated in contacts. If you are unsure, please let apply for a 4 apartment please the same way. For example; contact Jackie at Thistle on us know and a member of our housing 0141 613 2700 • Children playing in the street or management team will be happy to communal areas (unless they are give advice.

page 4 Looking After Your Area Back Courts Dog Fouling With what looks like an amazing All litter should be disposed of At Thistle Housing Association we summer approaching, the back courts properly and any extra garden receive many complaints concerning and gardens in Toryglen will become furniture should be taken back into dog fouling in Toryglen. a hive of activity. So that all residents your home after use. If you wish to are able to enjoy their time outdoors, put up a trampoline in the back court, As well as being a health hazard, it it is important to remember that most please ask your neighbours first. also means that our gardeners cannot back courts are shared areas. Everyone And remember if you put up a carry out the task that they are paid who uses these areas should make trampoline, you are responsible for for. sure to tidy up after themselves. removing it when the weather turns If you see someone allowing their dog colder! to foul a public area, you can report it to Glasgow City Council on 0141 287 Bins 9700 or via their website. The offending dog owner can be the We are currently working to install • Grey food waste bins should only subject of an on the spot £80 fine. larger capacity bins into all back courts be used for food and not the to replace the older metal ones. This packaging which comes with it Additionally if the dog owner is a project will help everyone to keep tenant of Thistle Housing Association • All general waste should be placed these areas cleaner. In the meantime into bin bags, tied and placed then anti-social action can be taken. we would like to ask everyone to within the bins provided Please help us to make Toryglen a dispose of their rubbish as follows; Any rubbish which is not disposed cleaner and healthier environment for • Blue bins should be used only for of correctly will not be uplifted by you and your families. paper, card, plastic bottles, food Glasgow City Council and can lead to and drink cans vermin being attracted to your home. Storing Items in Fly Tipping in Toryglen Communal Areas

We have noticed that over the last few In the interests of fire safety it is months there has been an increase in fly important that no personal items tipping throughout Toryglen. are stored in the common close or Thistle Housing Association are keen to landings. Items such as prams, bin work with residents and Clean Glasgow bags and furniture can cause an in order to address this issue. Any obstruction to an escape route. They incidences of fly tipping that are noticed can also be set on fire endangering the by residents should be reported to Clean lives of everyone in the close. Glasgow either by phone on 0300 343 7027, email [email protected] or by using Glasgow City Council’s on line reporting form available from glasgow. Close Cleaning gov.uk. Bulk items should be put out on the You will have no doubt seen the evenings prior to the arranged collection improvement in the appearance of day for your address. These collections buildings in Toryglen over the last are generally on Monday for addresses couple of years. In order to help south of Prospecthill Road (e.g. us maintain these improvements Place and Crescent) and Thursday for all residents should take a turn addresses to the north (e.g. Ardnahoe of cleaning the close and other Avenue, Corlaich Drive and Avenue, communal areas on at least a Kerrycroy Street, etc.) fortnightly basis. If you physically struggle to do this, please ask a friend, Please help us to keep your area as relative or neighbour for help or pay clean and safe as possible. someone to do it.

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housing association ltd. Annual gas service and gas cookers YOUR GAS COOKER YOUR RESPONSIBILITY The Association carries out an engineers have the authority to close A Stronger Community annual gas service in your home off the gas supply to your cooker, every year. This work includes the for you and your neighbour’s safety Over 55’s Christmas servicing of the appliances that should it be deemed unsafe. belong to the association such Luncheon SOLD OUT Cookers are tenant’s responsibility as gas boiler and gas fires. For and as such it is your duty to ensure As reported in our winter 2017 safety reasons a visual inspection newsletter, our over 55s Residents that it is in safe working order. If our of all tenants gas cookers is Christmas luncheon was a sell-out. engineer attaches a warning notice to included. With a five course lunch menu, great your gas cooker please be sure to have entertainment and tremendous During recent services, the gas the cooker fully inspected and advise engineers have had cause to condemn hampers up for winnings – all for the association when complete in a £5 ticket, we’re not surprised the some tenant’s gas cookers as they order to update our register. were found on sight to be faulty. This tickets didn’t hang around! 100% is done for your safety and you should Please be reminded resident safety of our guests said they enjoyed the ensure you abide by the warning is our priority and unacceptable event and would come next year. notice and have your cooker inspected behaviour towards gas engineers and You Said by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Gas all contractors will not be tolerated. “I had a great time, the meal was fantastic” “The service was faultless….the Repairs Prize Draw entertainment was fabulous” Recent Prize Draw Winners of the £25 Asda Voucher are as follows:

November Mr McCann, 1004 Prospecthill Road G/L If you are a Winner and December Mrs Grant, 11 Drumreoch Place 2/L haven’t received your Voucher yet, please January Mr Logan, 5 Drumreoch Place G/R contact the Maintenance February Mr Otadua, 1009 Prospecthill Road 2/R Team on 0141 613 2700 Community Engagement Carly Monaghan – Tenant Participation Officer Thistle would like to introduce our newly appointed Tenant Participation Officer Carly Monaghan. Carly’s role will be to support our tenants to focus and develop their ideas and activities towards their aspirations for themselves and our community. What are your aspirations for Toryglen in my new role as TPO. I am Toryglen? What would you like to immensely passionate about creating see happen in your a stronger and more Hardworking Thistle staff and Fine community to make it connected community. I Catering staff making the event a success a stronger and happier am looking forward to for residents. We thank you! place for you and your adding to Thistle Housing neighbours? Don’t be Associations already a stranger, get in touch committed team.” and let us know your thoughts! All questions and suggestions are welcome. Carly Says “I have Please call Carly to discuss worked with Thistle any comments or interests: Housing Association for over 2 years and I am Carly Monaghan extremely excited to 0141 613 2700 continue working with the residents of [email protected]

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housing association ltd. A Stronger Community Mrs Claus Workshop and Grotto On the 19th December Mrs Claus made a pit stop to Thistle Headquarters to help a retiring Elf apply for a home here in Toryglen. During her visit, the elves hosted a magical, ‘glitterful’ workshop. Entertaining all the children with arts and crafts before they made their way through to see Mrs Christmas Afternoon Tea Claus and Head Elf, Candycane Kelly. Our Christmas Afternoon Tea rent consultation on 14th What a fantastic day. December was well attended and tenants enjoyed some We already can’t wait tea and coffee along with plenty of cakes and lots of chat. to see what’s in store In the true spirit of Christmas, tenants had lots of fun for next Christmas! while winning lots of prizes in our tombola and raffled hamper, all in the name of charity. The calm before the storm! The Elf Work Thank you to all who attended and shop dressed and helped to raise £299.00 for Cash for ready to go for all the Kids (What’s raised in Scotland, stays children arriving. in Scotland) Well done! Our Elf’s Carly Christmas, Jackie Jingles, Dancing Donna and Crackers Kathleen had a ball! Our workshop included • Making reindeer hats Over the festive • Personalised Christmas baubles season we advertised • Christmas face painting

some of our up and • Card making • Traditional Christmas chain making coming community events. decorations These went down a storm! The tremendous Mrs Claus and Head We had amazing feedback Elf Candy Cane Kelly couldn’t wait to from residents and would meet the children of Toryglen! like to thank you for taking part and sharing your Here’s just a few of the children who experiences with us. came to see us this year at the Workshop and grotto Grotto Competition for best picture We hosted a competition for best grotto picture sent in by all the mums, dads and carers. Our winner was the beautiful Sienna Mackie, well done Sienna! “You Said” Sienna came in to collect her “We had fun making the hat & meeting the beautiful £20 Asda gift voucher with Mrs Claus. The decorations were beautiful and the Xmas her parents, presented by our work shop was great.” Assistant Operations Manager “The boys had a brilliant time making their decorations, Lorraine Quinn. we always get a bauble for the tree every year so this years are the ones they have made at the workshop.“

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housing association ltd. Burns Supper SOLD OUT

Our Burns Night on 25th January was a huge hit, selling out 80 tickets in record time. A truly traditional Burns evening, we all celebrated firstly with addressing and toasting the haggis with a wee dram. Followed by a tasty Burns 3 course supper and a fantastic ceilidh with the band ‘Deoc n Dorus’. Who would have thought Toryglen ‘Deoc n Dorus’ Piper and Robert Welsh was home to so many talented address the haggis! A spectacular job dancers! Thanks to everyone who well done. attended and brought true community spirit back to Burns. 100% of our guests who sent feedback said they thoroughly enjoyed the event and would come again next year. We asked: “What did you enjoy?” You said: “The community spirit” “The Food and the ceilidh band” “The staff were great and friendly. Loved the decorated hall. Great job and a great night” “It was very good value for money” “The good atmosphere and company. Well done Thistle Housing!” “Everything! A big thank you to all for all your hard work” “The piping and addressing the haggis. It was perfect. The service was absolutely exceptional” Our fundraiser for the evening was a Scots product filled Hamper. From a lovely bottle of single malt whisky, to a box of Tunnocks tea cakes, it was filled ‘tae the brim’. You raised an amazing total of £203.00, which will go towards the Toryglen community fund to support more great community events! Our lucky Burns Brenda Wilson A delicious Hamper winner was THA’s management Traditional Bridget McGhee! committee vice Burns Supper The hamper was chair welcomed was enjoyed presented by THAs everyone with the by everyone hamper ticket seller ‘Selkirk Grace’ followed by great ceilidh music and and receptionist dancing the night away. Sandra Wallace.

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housing association ltd. St Brigid’s Community Partnership Thistle Housing Association welcome every opportunity to be involved in our community. Carol Scott, Headteacher at St Brigid’s Primary school, kindly invited us along to their parents evening to promote awareness of all the great services Toryglen has to offer. We thoroughly enjoyed the event, offering information and support to current and potential new tenants. Looking forward already to the next school event. What’s on “Toryglen Toryglen?

Thistle will be hosting a FREE Easter Family As It Was” Funday on Wednesday 4th April 12.00 – 16:00pm for all ages to enjoy at the Cornerstone Community Hall and surrounding grounds. Make sure you come along and join in all the fun! See front cover of Newsletter for all the details. We Project look forward to seeing you all there. Dust off your old photos and get WED your memories TORYGLEN COMMUNITY 4th APRIL into action! 12 – 4pm We want to hear your stories from ‘back in the day’ and how life ‘used to be’. Thistle are teaming up with Saint Brigid’s primary school AT CORNERSTONE HALL to take part in the “Toryglen as it was” project. St FunFun26 GLENMORE AVENUE DayDay TORYGLEN Brigid’s are celebrating their 60th Anniversary in April In association with A whole lot of fun developing a with all the school children. We are looking for those better community with something for of you who remember what Toryglen and life was like everyone! housing association ltd. 60 years ago and how it has changed. Come and share FREE those experiences with the children through a couple Funfair food & drink Games and Activities EVENT! of afternoon tea and activity sessions! Got some great for all ages Stalls family pictures or old family videos of Toryglen or the Bouncy Castle Pony Riding surrounding area?? Face painting Fire Easter Bunny Brigade and giveaways When and where? And lots MORE!! ? Like to Cornerstone Hall, 26 Glenmore Avenue, Toryglen Questions ? enquire about taking a stall Thursday 19th April 1.00 – 3.00pm Contact Carly: [email protected] Thursday 26th April 1.00 - 3.00pm M: 07519104656 T: 0141 613 2700 Call Carly to register your interest or ask any questions. Or feel free to just turn up on our scheduled days.

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housing association ltd. Thistle Gardening Competition The snow has been unusual but beautiful in the recent weeks. Now that the snow has finally Prizes cleared, we are now looking Gardens forward to the daffodils pushing 1st Prize through and all the green £100 ASDA Voucher fingered residents getting back to Runner Up business! £50 ASDA Voucher We appreciate the effort residents put in to create their beautiful gardens Balcony and balconies in the area. To show 1st Prize our appreciation of your efforts we £50 ASDA Voucher will be running a competition for Runner Up both gardens and balconies with the £25 ASDA Voucher winners contacted and awarded their prizes at the end of August. Charlie Duncan our Gardening Clerk Of Works, will choose the The competition for both categories winners and will be announced will be judged on: in our Summer Newsletter. • Cleanliness Good Luck! • Attention to detail • Great use of space • Individual style and creativity Garden Safety As an Association we encourage all residents to care for and be proud of their gardens. However we would request any substantial works undertaken to your garden that the proper procedures and protocol are followed for all resident safety. In most properties all of the main gas and electrical pipes run under the front gardens. It is therefore essential that reputable companies are used and correct permission obtained. Resident in Ardmory captures the recent snow in their garden! Thank you and enjoy the anticipated heat wave!! Ardco Cornerstone Community Hall Community 26 Glenmore Avenue Mon Keep Fit 2.30 – 3.30pm Cornerstone Hall £3 Arts & Crafts Thurs Line Dancing 7.15pm – 9.15pm Cornerstone Hall £3 Friday Bingo First Friday of every Cornerstone Hall £4 We support an Arts & Crafts Month. Includes Tea/ project for all ages that runs from Coffee, Cake and a convenient utilised property Biscuits. Doors Open in Corlaich Drive. The project is 7pm, Eyes Down on every Tuesday from 6-8pm. 7:30pm! No Tickets Children under 8 years old must Needed – Pay at the be accompanied by an adult. Door! Want to know more? Lunch Club 12 – 2pm *Last Friday Toryglen Parish £2 Call and register your child’s interest of every month 26 Glenmore Avenue with Carly on 0141 613 2700.

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housing association ltd. What Else Is On In My Area? Geoff Shaw Community Centre 25 Kerrylamont Avenue Toryglen Need more information? Call 0141 647 0969 Whats on?

Time Time Monday Friday Book Bug 10.00 – 11.00am Credit Union 9.30 – 11.30am Street Dance 4.30 – 7.30pm Street Dance 3.00 – 6.00pm Lynn Duncan 4.30 – 7.30pm Saturday Irish Dancing 6.30 – 9.30pm Closed Bingo 7.00 – 9.00pm Sunday Tuesday Irish Dancing 1.00 – 5.00pm Street Dance 3.00 – 6.00pm Birthday Party slot 1.00pm – 4.00pm Karate 6.00 – 9.00pm Irish Dancing 6.30 – 9.30pm Wednesday Geoff Shaw Community Parent & Toddlers Group 9.30 – 11.30pm Sports Hub 11.00 – 1.00pm Centre Over 50’s Sports Hub Mega Club 4.00 – 6.00pm GET OUT & TAKE PART!! Music Club 6.00 – 8.00pm Come and try activities with tea, coffee, biscuits and a blether Aerobics 6.30 – 8.00pm Thursday • Get out the house • Meet new people Street Dance 3.00pm – 6.00pm • Take part in fun games and activities Karate 6.00 – 9.00pm • Tea, Coffee, Biscuits and blether Esol 4.45 – 6.45pm EVERY THURSDAY 10.30am – 1pm Drama Class 4.00 – 6.00pm ONLY £2! First session free.

Want to go to one or all of MyBus will pick you up and drop the events/classes but need you off as close as possible to support getting there? SPT your destination. All vehicles offers ‘My Bus’ to help those are low-floor and wheelchair who need additional support friendly. The driver will give to get around. Call 0345 128 assistance to board the bus 4025 to see if you qualify! from the pavement. However the driver is unable to provide MyBus is a bookable bus service assistance from your home to offering door-to-door transport the bus. in your area. MyBus can be used for shopping, GP appointments, For enquiries, new registrations visiting friends, attending local or to cancel your journey, call clubs, and much more. 0345 128 4025.

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housing association ltd. Toryglen Community Base 179 Prospecthill Circus, G42 0LA Tel: 0141 613 2777

Toryglen Community Base is a thriving multi-purpose community resource centre that provides access to a range of training courses, activities and spaces where local people can meet, learn and have fun. Whats on? • Emergency First Aid • Health & Safety • Digital Inclusion course (REHIS) – FREE Course (REHIS) You are welcome to drop in and use our IT Suite and Internet Café at any This is a fully certifies, one-day course This is a fully certified, one-day course time. The facilities are FREE and can covering CPR, bandaging, how to covers a wide variety of subjects such be used for work, study, shopping, manage incidents, infection control, as slips, trips and falls, risk assessment, web browsing or online banking. heart attacks, strokes, fractures, other fire, electricity, manual handling, If you feel less confident using illnesses and legislation. COSHH (Control of Substances technology our staff are here to help. Hazardous to Health) and legislation. Dates: Wed 18th April (FULL) FREE Through our partnership with Kelvin Thurs 31st May College we also offer you access to a Time: 09:30 – 16:30 Date: Thurs 17th May range of IT courses from beginner to Time: 09:30 – 16:30pm advances so please get in touch for • Jobs & Business further details. Glasgow • ESOL Date: FREE Mon – Fri This course is offered on a 10 week Time: 09:00 – 17:00 We all need someone to inspire and rolling programme. When you book support us. We’re here to assist the your first session you will be asked residents of Glasgow with just that. • Community Café to undergo an assessment and if the We want to support you to realise Our café is run by a committed team course isn’t right for you we will help your potential; to take part in training, of volunteers and is open Monday – you find a suitable course. FREE to get a job, to change career, or to Friday 9am – 1.30pm. set up a business. Date: Every Tuesday and Friday. New courses added: Pre-intermediate. Date: Monday, Tuesday, Fridays Infection Control: Wed 25th April morning and Thursday afternoons. Food Hygiene: Thur 3rd May Allergen Awareness: Thurs 24th May Call free on 0300 123 2898 to book an appointment at the Community Base

NEW COURSES ADDED WEEKLY SO PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR FUTHER DETAILS. www.toryglencommunitybase.org Contact: 0141 613 2777

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housing association ltd. Mens Toryglen Shed Community Hall 199 Prospecthill Circus T: 0141 569 1031 What’s On

Monday When Calling all males who are Silver Deal Art Class 10:00 – 11:00am looking for something new! Lunch club Senior Citizens - £2.50 for 3 course Lunch 12:30 - 1:30pm ‘Men’s Sheds’ have been taking Jubilee Club Senior Citizens, bingo and chat 1:30-3:30pm off all over Scotland in the last Yoga 6:00pm – 7:00pm few years, responding to men’s need for camaraderie and provide Karate Class - All ages 6:15pm – 7:15pm opportunities to work together in Line Dancing 7:30pm – 9:30pm a way that contributes meaning Councillor Wisley - Surgery 3rd Monday of the month 7:30 – 8:30pm to their lives. The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association officially became Tuesday When a Scottish charity in 2014. Boxercise 6:30pm – 7:15pm From woodwork, having a game of Wednesday When pool or darts to learning other new Tai Chi Beginners 10:00 – 11:00am skills, look to your nearest men’s Tai Chi Advanced 11:00 – 12:00 noon shed! Health Walks - All ages 12:00 – 2:00pm Where’s my nearest Men’s shed? Twilight Club Senior Citizens - Bingo and chat 1:30 – 3:30pm & Slimming World 7:00pm – 9:00pm Men’s Shed, Rutherglen Baptist Community Bingo 7:30 – 9:00pm Community Church, Upper Hall, 72 Greenhill Road, Rutherglen Thursday When G73 3SS Adult Art Class 10:00 – 12:00 noon Contact: Ron Taylor - Chest Heart & Stroke support group 1:00 – 3:00pm Tel: 07821137069 / Karate Class 6:15 – 7:15pm Dave Phillips 07880 502633 White Dove Church 7:30 – 9:30pm Email: [email protected] Friday When When? Textile / Craft Class 10:00 – 12:00 noon Tuesdays and Thursdays 10.00am FOR KIDS to 3pm, set up is mainly for woodwork tasks but we hope to Tuesday/ Thursdays When add a few more subjects Sparcs Childrens Club - Age 5 + 4 – 6pm Interested in starting up a Mens Friday When Shed in Toryglen? Want to talk St Brigid’s Parish youth Group - Please contact father 7 – 9pm about the possibilities? Byrne Contact Carly on 0141 613 2700

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housing association ltd. “These Boots are made for walking!” developing a better community

housing association ltd.

Here at Thistle, staff have started Why don’t you get your walking shoes their training to take part in this on and join in the fundraising event?! years fantastic Kiltwalk charity http://www.thekiltwalk.co.uk/ event taking place in Glasgow on Sunday April 29th. Need more information on any of the above? Last year over 7,000 Kiltwalkers took part walking many miles across Please call Carly at the office on 0141 Glasgow to help raise over one million 613 2700 pounds for their chosen charities and causes. Thistle staff have chosen to We look forward to updating you raise funds for a local charity Glasgow in our summer Newsletter with our Homelessness Network, that works Kiltwalk achievement and lots of to reduce homelessness in Glasgow. pictures. We approached our contractors to pledge support for our efforts and they We hope to raise enough funds to very generously agreed to support us help support more people to have a through various donations. Thank you! safe and secure home! Apprenticeship Nuisance phone calls Some of our elderly Opportunity residents have contacted us recently to report nuisance City Building’s advert for apprenticeships is now live. phone calls and looking for The vacancy reference is GGA-2018-8645 and the support on how to get them closing date is 29/04/2018 to stop. We contacted age UK on your behalf, an organisation that offers a free, The trades advertised at this • All candidates must confidential, national phone service for older people, stage are reside in Glasgow or their families, friends, carers and professionals. have attended a Glasgow • Joiners School They advised: • Painters Call your telephone service provider and discuss the option • Plumbers • School leavers must be to block the numbers to your home that are causing • Electricians eligible to leave school in concern. • Admin Summer 2018 Contact Telephone Preference Service. Candidates must apply • College candidates The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is through the Glasgow must be eligible to leave a free service. It is the official central opt Guarantee website https:// college in Summer 2018 out register on which you can record your www.glasgowguarantee. • Non school leavers must preference not to receive unsolicited sales or org and must meet the be currently unemployed marketing calls. 0845 703 4599. following criteria: or working less than 16 Should you wish to speak with Age UK regarding further • All candidates must be hours per week information please contact: 0800 055 6112 aged 16-19

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housing association ltd. TORYGLEN...please STTA continue to help SOUTH TORYGLEN 13 million people live below the poverty line in the UK TENANTS ASSOCIATION Thistle Housing Association has of food, however, we have noticed been collecting donations of food that donations have fallen since the NEEDS YOU! which we have passed onto the turn of the year. Glasgow South East Foodbank to South Toryglen Tenants We would like to take this opportunity help people in the local area who Association strives to make to thank each and every resident who are faced with a crisis. South Toryglen a better place to took the time and handed donations live for everyone. With regular Glasgow South East Foodbank is one of food, however, remember the crisis meetings, members discuss issues of over 400 foodbanks providing is still here, and we are continuing our and challenges with the aim to emergency food to people in crisis. collections, this we can’t do it without overcome and resolve these by It provides a minimum of three days your help! working in partnership with other emergency food and support to We are still collecting for the organisations. STTA cover new people in crisis, this is direct help to foodbank, you can hand your and existing topics from general people who could be living next to. donations into the office any weekday estate issues including bins, dog The Toryglen residents have been very between 9am and 5pm (4.30pm on a fouling and parking to community generous and donated a vast amount Friday). Thank you! classes, events and community building. New members, new opinions and new skills are always welcome. Not sure if it’s for you? STTA offer the opportunity to come and observe in one of the meeting without Volunteering commitment. Invest in yourself, invest in your community! Margaret Biggam Chairperson says: “Yes, we are still working for all of you. Volunteering is one of the most What’s in it for me? What do we do? rewarding things you can do. Gain confidence ✓ Help with problems in Toryglen, Here at Thistle, we are always looking Make a difference such as fly tipping, parking issues, for volunteers. ✓ vandalism and dog fouling. Meet people ✓ Any problems regarding housing. How can I help? Be part of our community Whatever your availability, whatever ✓ We pass this onto Thistle Housing your skills Thistle want to hear from Learn new skills ✓ Association who attend all of our you! Take on a challenge✓ meetings. From serving tea at a community Have fun! We contact any organisation or event to offering a day a week to ✓ councillor or M.S.P to get things done. help establish flourishing groups in “The smallest act of kindness is If you are 16 or over and would like to Toryglen, we appreciate all offers of worth more than the grandest attend our next meeting you will be support to make our community a more than welcome. better place to live. intention.” – Oscar Wilde Venue: Thistle Housing Association Not sure? Want to discuss further? Contact Carly on 0141 613 2700. 26 Glenmore Avenue G42 0EH Date: 30th April 2018 at 6pm Email: [email protected] You don’t need any qualifications other than the desire to see a good and pleasant area to live in. Mrs Biggam Chairperson”

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housing association ltd. Councillors’ OFFICE Surgeries OPENING Councillor Archie Graham

Contact number: 0141 287 2000 Please note we Surgery Information HOURS are closed 1:00 – 1st Wed of the Month 9:00am – 5:00pm Kingspark Secondary School 6pm Monday 2:00pm for lunch 2nd Sat of the Month Tuesday 9:00am – 5:00pm every day. Primary School 11am 9:00am – 5:00pm Switchboard 3rd Wed of the Month Wednesday operates from Primary School 6pm 9:00am – 5:00pm Thursday 08:30am 4th Sat of the Month 9:00am – 4:30pm Langside Hall 11am Friday

Councillor Anna Richardson

Contact number: 0141 287 2000 Surgery Information THANK YOU for 1st Thurs of the Month Langside Library 6pm 3rd Wed of the Month Langside Halls 1:30pm the THANKS! 4th Mon of the Month Mount Florida Primary School 6pm Angela Welch our Housing Officer would like to say thank you to all the residents at the Sheltered Complex who handed in a thank you card Councillor and valentine gifts for all her hard work. Angela is an experienced, big hearted and hardworking Housing Contact number: 0141 287 2000 Officer that obviously doesn’t go Surgery Information unnoticed by residents. 1st Fri of the Month Langside Hall 1:30pm 2nd Mon of the Month Kingspark Primary School 6pm 3rd Sat of the Month Langside Library 11am Useful Numbers Thistle Main Switchboard 0141 613 2700 Thistle Out of Office Hours Repairs 0800 783 7937 (freefone) Councillor Tanya Wisely Police 101 NHS 24 111 No surgery information available, Gas Emergencies 0800 111 999 (freefone) Please telephone 0141 287 2000 Cleansing Department (Bulk) 0141 287 9700 Environmental Health 0845 270 1558 Pest Control 0845 270 1558 Stair Lighting 0800 595 595 (freefone) Street Lighting 0800 373 635 (freefone)

developing a Thistle Housing Association Ltd, 26 Glenmore Avenue, Glasgow, G42 0EH. better community Telephone: 0141 613 2700 Fax: 0141 613 2727 Email: [email protected] page 16

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