Inverclyde Community Led Housing Associations
Across Inverclyde, we work with the local community-based Housing Association’s, primarily Oak Tree Housing Association, Cloch Housing Association and Larkfield Housing Association.
Across Inverclyde, these Housing Associations support over 3,750 homes with the majority of stock being located within Port Glasgow and Inverclyde. 85% of all stock is located within the the 15% most multiply deprived areas SIMD20.
CLS have worked with these Associations since 2009 and between 2009 and 2015 also worked with River Clyde Homes. This relationship continues on an ad hoc basis.
Oak Tree Housing Association
Pathways to Construction – this project ran as for 2.5 years, funded through the Scottish Government’s Investing in Communities Fund. this project aimed to increase the opportunities for unemployed young people (17-24) and those who had been long-term unemployed (26+) to gain real-life experience, skills and formal training within the construction sector.
Through the project, OTHA deliver a series of practical projects that supported project participants to progress along the employability pipeline. This project benefited young people, those who were long-term unemployed, those with limited or no work-experience, those having multiple barriers to employment–this can include personal problems, low confidence and preconceived limited skills.
Following the success of the project, OTHA have brought elements of the project in house to create a Landscaping & Grounds Maintenance Team., initially on a pilot to March 2025.
Branchton Community Centre. We have worked closely with Branchton Community Centre Association to support them in the development of their outdoor space and in securing funding towards the provision of a wide range of activities and services that enhance people's skills, while creating opportunities for people to take part in further education courses, training and employment and improve the health and wellbeing of the local community.
Cloch Housing Association
My Cloch Plus – this project was developed to help vulnerable households transform their lives, their health and their home environment. Through recruiting dedicated Health and Wellbeing Connectors the project supports individuals in difficult situations; improving their positivity, health and wellbeing and enabling them to develop control over their lives and their home. This project aims to ensure that mental health and wellbeing is prioritised at a community and local level – building community resilience and ensuring no members of the community are left behind.
In addition, the project supports StarterPacks Inverclyde to ensure that all households, are provided with the necessities for a basic standard of living.
Partnership Work
Oak Tree, Cloch and Larkfield Housing Association work together to maximise resources for their tenants. Through the support of CLS, the organisations have accessed the following additional benefits:
All Associations buy in the services of Financial Fitness, an Inverclyde based service who provide a targeted financial capability service to improve standards of living for tenants particularly those affected by low income, arrears and welfare reforms. This partnership ensures tenants have access to welfare rights, money and debt advice. CLS work in partnership with both Financial Fitness and the local Housing Association to maximise access through applying for additional grants and support local procurement requirements.
Between 2010 and 2023, CLS secured a variety of funding packages to support the delivery of a Tenancy Support Service. Working in partnership with The Mungo Foundation (2010 – 2019) and Simon Community Scotland (2019-2023) this service worked to help motivate and build a person’s confidence with the aim that in time they will be able to manage better, enjoy an increased quality of life and sustain their tenancies.
Between 2017 and 2024, CLS secured a variety of funding to enable the provision of Energy Advice through a partnership with The Wise Group – which supported individuals in fuel poverty, including help to switch supplier, reduce energy consumption, and understand energy bills.