In this episode of the Scottish Housing News Podcast, Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black discuss the theme of 'Everybody Needs Good Neighbours' for Scottish Housing Day. They explore the importance of community and neighbourliness, the role of housing associations in fostering social connections, and the challenges of social isolation.
Guests Callum Chomczuk, the national director for Scotland at the Chartered Institute of Housing, and Jamie Ballantyne, social regeneration manager at Queens Cross Housing Association, share insights on community engagement, the impact of digital connectivity, and the significance of small gestures in building trust and cohesion within neighbourhoods.
The conversation emphasises the need for investment in social housing and the potential for positive change through community-driven initiatives.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Scottish Housing Day
02:49 The Importance of Neighbourliness
05:33 Community Engagement and Regeneration Projects
08:25 Building Trust and Connections
11:08 Addressing Anti-Social Behaviour
13:49 The Role of Housing Associations
16:28 Celebrating Community Initiatives
19:34 The Impact of Social Isolation
22:19 Measuring Success in Community Work
25:03 Challenges and Opportunities for Housing Associations
28:04 Fostering Pride in Communities
30:54 Conclusion and Neighbourly Gestures
Further reading:
Scottish Housing Day report: https://www.cih.org/publications/scottish-housing-day-report-everybody-needs-good-neighbours/
Queens Cross Housing Association Social Regeneration Impact Report: 2024/25: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/uploads/SR%20Impact%20Report%20and%20cover%20202425%20Final%20Draft%20V3.pdf
Cedar mural design: https://www.qcha.org.uk/news/484-over-200-local-children-help-with-cedar-mural-design
A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/scottish-housing-day-celebrating-good-neighbours-podcast-transcript
Jimmy Black has written a blog to accompany the episode here:
Kieran Findlay is the editor of Scottish Housing News. Jimmy Black is a former Dundee housing convener and housing justice campaigner.
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