4/4/2008Hard work and determination
HARD work and determination has transformed a derelict back garden into an oasis of peace and tranquility.
And it was all down to a team of eight unemployed people.
The change came about after the Wise Group, an organisation which provides training and regeneration projects for local communities, took on eight youngsters to work on a properties in Pollokshaws Road and Allison Street in Strathbungo.
Christopher Scott, 21 and Thomas Telford, 41, were part of the team which renovated the gardens with new fences, paving slabs, plants and lighting.
Work began in November and the aim was to make the area behind the tenements a place where residents would look forward to relaxing with family and friends.
Patrick McGarth, Director of Southside Housing Association said: "They've certainly demonstrated to us that they're talented people with lots to offer. The new garden they've created is wonderful and is really appreciated by local residents. This project will now help them get into good, well-paid work."
To say thanks to the workers who made the transformation possible an awards ceremony was held with Southside Central Councillor Anne Marie Millar presenting the workers with gift vouchers.
During the five-month project all six workers trained for qualifications in construction and learnt about personal development skills, as well as getting help in seeking employment for after the project.
Speaking after the award ceremony Donna Moore from Southside Housing Association said: "All the chaps were really delighted. Three of them found full time employment elsewhere in the last week of the tenement project and the remaining three have signed up to continue working with The Wise Group on a new project in the North Glasgow. They will be working on an enviromental project for the next few months.
"The feedback from the residents has been very positive, the project was well received from the beginning. A lot of the residents living at the tenements where the work was taking place have been here for a huge part of their lives. In some cases they have seen their children or even their grandchildren growing up here. Now residents can have their children and grandchildren come visit and spend quality time in an enviroment that they all deserve.
"We are so happy with the result of this project that we have already applied for funding to renovate another one of our properties, also with the aid of The Wise Group. This second phase of renovation will go ahead at another one of our tenements, also located on Pollokshaws Road.”
And it was all down to a team of eight unemployed people.
The change came about after the Wise Group, an organisation which provides training and regeneration projects for local communities, took on eight youngsters to work on a properties in Pollokshaws Road and Allison Street in Strathbungo.
Christopher Scott, 21 and Thomas Telford, 41, were part of the team which renovated the gardens with new fences, paving slabs, plants and lighting.
Work began in November and the aim was to make the area behind the tenements a place where residents would look forward to relaxing with family and friends.
Patrick McGarth, Director of Southside Housing Association said: "They've certainly demonstrated to us that they're talented people with lots to offer. The new garden they've created is wonderful and is really appreciated by local residents. This project will now help them get into good, well-paid work."
To say thanks to the workers who made the transformation possible an awards ceremony was held with Southside Central Councillor Anne Marie Millar presenting the workers with gift vouchers.
During the five-month project all six workers trained for qualifications in construction and learnt about personal development skills, as well as getting help in seeking employment for after the project.
Speaking after the award ceremony Donna Moore from Southside Housing Association said: "All the chaps were really delighted. Three of them found full time employment elsewhere in the last week of the tenement project and the remaining three have signed up to continue working with The Wise Group on a new project in the North Glasgow. They will be working on an enviromental project for the next few months.
"The feedback from the residents has been very positive, the project was well received from the beginning. A lot of the residents living at the tenements where the work was taking place have been here for a huge part of their lives. In some cases they have seen their children or even their grandchildren growing up here. Now residents can have their children and grandchildren come visit and spend quality time in an enviroment that they all deserve.
"We are so happy with the result of this project that we have already applied for funding to renovate another one of our properties, also with the aid of The Wise Group. This second phase of renovation will go ahead at another one of our tenements, also located on Pollokshaws Road.”
Well Done To All Involved In This Project. Also To The Supervisor. Derek Rashid And Site Agent Jimmy Mooney.