Dalmuir Park Housing Association continues to develop its role as an agency for change in Dalmuir. As a well established housing organisation we have been able to use our resources to support a number of community initiatives. We are forging ahead with a number of partnership projects which meet our objectives of improving the physical, economic and social environment, as well as the housing environment of Dalmuir.

Economic Development

In terms of economic development we are active on a number of fronts. One major project is the redevelopment of the Co-op building and the Association has drawn up plans for the transformation of the first floor of the building to provided accommodation. This would furnish space for child care facilities, commercial office space and community facilities, including an internet cafe and IT training suite. We are also purchasing shop units on Dumbarton Road and have arranged for tenants a Concierge service.

Focusing on People

The Association's Wider Action vision is very much focused on people and realising potential. We support a range of activities aimed at vulnerable groups in society where we are helping to improve people's quality of life.

We coordinate a program of activities at both our Sheltered Housing complexes (Nairn Street and Shaftesbury Street) and these program include keep fit classes, beauty therapy, lunch clubs, theatre trips, bus runs, bingo nights, and dinner dances.
We also organise an Annual Senior Citizens Dinner Dance.
These activities are part of a structure for helping older people to maintain a good quality of life while living independently.

At the other end of the age spectrum, the Association has supported the 'Soccer Sixes' tournament for primary school children. During 2003­2004we provided kit sponsorship for the newly formed' Dalmuir Park United' Under 16 football team at a total cost of £600.

The Association gave funding to the Dalmuir Youth Action Group which put together a varied program of workshops, information sessions and day trips. Topics covered in workshops included 'Employment and Training', 'Human and Youth Rights' and 'Discrimination'. The Association's support underlines its commitment to giving young people positive options.

Environmental Action

A further aspect of Dalmuir Park Housing Association's wider action role is environmental development.

Elsewhere in this report we outline the work we have been involved in at the 'Lanes' and at' Dalmuir Railway Station'. These schemes are just part of our work to create an improved physical environment for our tenants.

We operate a popular garden competition and this encourages residents to maintain their gardens to a high standard and contribute to the visual amenity of the area.

In addition the Association has taken specific steps to become more environmentally friendly. These steps include: the installation of compost bins, planting indigenous species at key locations, including the Lanes, various energy­efficient measures and increasing awareness of sustainability among staff, contractors and residents.