Viewpoint in the community

Viewpoint Housing Association Ltd, a registered charity, was established in 1947 with the intention of giving a home to women who otherwise would have no or very little franchise in society following World War 2. 

Over the years the organisation has continued to evolve but still exists to provide affordable, safe, and sustainable housing solutions for over 1200 tenants predominantly older people across sheltered and general needs properties as well as widening their services to include a continuum of care and support in our two care homes. We are committed to building strong communities by ensuring that everyone has access to good quality affordable housing and care.

As part of Scottish Housing Day Viewpoint Housing Association are taking this opportunity to shout about the great work they do that goes under the radar.  Not only is Viewpoint a housing and care provider, it has introduced a number of non-housing initiatives which bring tenants and communities together – genuinely doing as our vision states ‘bringing joy in later years’

Today Viewpoint will highlight just one of its most successful projects – a partnership with FitCare Scotland – helping people to live well, stay active and more importantly feel connected!

Viewpoint runs weekly exercise sessions for older tenants across Edinburgh. Transport is provided which makes it easy for everyone to join in. The classes, led by instructor John Carstairs, focus on strength, balance, and mobility, while also creating opportunities to develop new friendships, have fun, a good natter and a laugh together

The results from the sessions speak for themselves:

• Tenants have reported improved strength, balance and confidence, helping them feel safer when out and about.
• The sessions have reduced loneliness, with new friendships forming through shared activity.
• The project shows the power of partnership working between housing, charity support and health expertise for tenant wellbeing.
• Attendance is high and we have a waiting list with new sessions now being set up.

Viewpoint understands that housing is not just about providing homes—it’s about creating healthier, happier and inclusive communities.

Commenting on the success of the project Jean Gray, Chief Executive of Viewpoint said:

‘The cost-of-living crisis is still intensifying challenges for tenants and housing providers, with loneliness emerging as a growing concern. This exacerbates the loneliness issue by further limiting our tenants’ ability to access projects and opportunities that might offer them social connection.

It was therefore important that as an organisation we looked at where we could be innovative in ways to respond but also ensure anything we do is not further impacting on competing financial pressures for the business.

We are proud that we have this partnership with FitCare Scotland which is really focussing on improving our tenants’ wellbeing and enabling some of our vulnerable tenants to meet others and strengthen social connections. Their participation and enthusiasm have made these sessions an enjoyable experience for all.

Scottish Housing Day provides a great opportunity for organisations to collaborate, share best practice and consider how we create projects and invest in activities that benefit some of the most vulnerable tenants, reduce loneliness as well as having fun and staying healthy.’

Let’s celebrate Scottish Housing Day 2025 by shouting out for our committed staff, great tenants and our partners, helping us to create the best communities. 

Click on this link to view our video filed at one of the weekly exercise sessions.