Carving out a better life in Queens Cross
Five local people take part in six-week woodwork skills course run by community enterprise Boomerang Woodworking.
Queens Cross Housing Association hit the nail on the head with its latest bid to help tenants learn new skills and get them more involved with their local community.
Five local people from the north-west Glasgow neighbourhood took part in a six-week woodwork skills course run by community enterprise Boomerang Woodworking. The group produced a variety of garden boxes, pots, chests and trellis frames that will all be donated to local community gardens and care homes.
The latest NHS Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) North West survey found that in this area of the city, people were far more likely to feel isolated or lonely.
Jamie Ballantine, Queens Cross’s Social Regeneration Manager, said: “Although there are some positives to take from the survey, such as a small reduction in people smoking, an increase in people eating fruit and vegetables and an increase in people feeling able to influence local decisions, the research clearly shows that the North West locality still lags behinds the Glasgow average for health and wellbeing.
“In particular, the HSCP are highlighting that people living in our area are more likely to have a long-term illness, more likely to feel lonely and suffer from social isolation compared to other parts of the city.
“That’s why the community activities like these woodwork sessions are so important. All our activities and events are designed to improve the general health and wellbeing of local residents and foster a sense of belonging to the area.”
Queens Cross runs activities, ranging from walking football to singing groups, cooking and gardening classes to digital skills for older people and mindfulness and yoga, all of which give tenants and residents opportunities to get out, socialise, and meet new people.
The association manages around 4,500 homes in the city.
Jamie Ballantine continued: “Here at Queens Cross, we have to be more than just a housing provider, we are here to help sustain a community.
“Our activities for older people are particularly valued. This group makes up around 17% of our tenants; with more than half of them living alone, social isolation is a real issue for them.”
Pictured: Boomerang’s workshop leader Owen Parsell (left) and Queens Cross woodworkers Jennifer Hook and Steven Carrick show off some of their handiwork.
Pictured: Boomerang’s workshop leader Owen Parsell (left) and Queens Cross wood workers Jennifer Hook and Steven Carrick show off some of their handiwork.