A Castlemilk housing association has landed a top nationwide award.
Ardenglen Housing Association triumphed in the Scottish Home Awards 2020 ceremony last week.
And the prize – for Best Housing Association – came in the same year that Ardenglen marks its 30th birthday.
Ardenglen Chief Executive Audrey Simpson was delighted with the recognition at the awards, which were held digitally.
She said: “This is the perfect birthday present for Ardenglen in a very special year for us. It is undoubtedly the icing on the cake.
“This award recognises the important role Ardenglen plays within Castlemilk,going far beyond just collecting the rent, and confirms our commitment over three decades to our wonderful community.”
Ardenglen focused its submission for the award not just on a commitment to regenerating Castlemilk, but on its approach to people as well – whether they are tenants, staff, the board or volunteers.
Staff at the housing association said that cultural change played an important part in the entry , including a focus on the creation of Ardenglen’s “One Team” initiative to deliver a “people-focused” commitment to work.
The association was also recognised for tackling the unprecedented challenge of the coronavirus crisis earlier this year, alongside other housing groups in the area.
Audrey added: “I want to pay particular tribute to the staff and board members whose efforts have resulted in winning this award.
“Equally importantly, special mention must also go to our Community Committee who, through their work, do so much to create the community spirit that defines Castlemilk.”
The Association’s planned 30th anniversary celebrations were severely curtailed this year as it chose instead to focus its staffing resources and financial commitment to helping the Castlemilk Together initiative.
Made up of local housing associations and other organisations, Castlemilk Together has, for many months, spearheaded the local effort to help the community with food and other methods of support during the ongoing pandemic.
Ardenglen Chair Liz McKenzie said “This is a tremendous achievement not just for Ardenglen but Castlemilk, too. It shines the spotlight on the work our community is doing as we build homes and support our neighbourhood in so many ways.
“We like to think of Ardenglen as the anchor which holds our community together and this has been especially important during the ongoing health emergency.”
