re-gen north issue 15

The Paper That Money Can’t Buy!

GENEAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

FR

EE

The Paper That Money Can’t Buy! FR

EERe-GEN

THE

NORTHIssue Number N0-15 January 2011

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NESTLED in the heart of Royston is a Project which has had a vast effect on the lives of many North Glasgow residents and yet it still lies undiscovered by the majority of people in the area.

Rosemount Lifelong Learning is one of these projects that has been toiling away for years and yet when it comes to adult learning opportunities it seems to be ignored by many. Now in its 13th year the Centre in Royston Road has had just about every accolade thrust upon it including Glasgow Housing Association’s “Charity of the Year.”

Their vision is, “For every adult and child in the North Glasgow area to have the confidence, skills and contacts to enjoy life’s chances, diverse friendships, health and prosperity,” and with around 53 staff delivering childcare and learning to more than 1000 adults and 350 children a year, they are certainly making an impact on many lives in the area.

The Re-Gen North had an opportunity last year to attend an award presentation in the old Healthy Living Centre in Bridgeton where around 25 young adults who had taken part in one of the many courses offered by the Rosemount Lifelong Learning Centre and, to see the pride and enthusiasm of the graduates was heart-warming.

As 2011 starts and people are planning their futures then the Re-Gen North would like to point them in the way of the Centre where a visit could result in changing not only your circumstances but also your whole approach to life. At this moment in time the staff at Rosemount are disseminating the findings of a recent survey which will be made available to potential funders, academics and the

press, in order to highlight the importance and value of community based learning.

he Centre is hoping that the research will help them to secure future funding to enable them to continue the excellent work which is making a big difference to local people’s lives.

Cath McGee the Flexicentre Manager informed the Re-Gen North that there are copies of the full research findings now available and anyone interested in obtaining a copy should contact her on 553-0808 or via [email protected] Meanwhile any of you out there who are

looking for a change in direction could do no better than to get an insight as to just what Rosemount Learning Centre has to offer, the staff in Royston will certainly make you welcome and explain everything you need to know about the courses available.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS AT ROSEMOUNTPages 15 & 16

Re-GEN Sportby Tom Scott

In t

his

issu

e

Page 3 Centre Pages

Dispersal Zone Update

and Info

1

TIME FOR

A LOCAL

LANDLORD

Check out our brand new website:www.regennewspapers.co.uk

January 2011 Re-GEN North2

Willie Bain MP for Glasgow North East

Unit G2, Abbeymill Business Centre, Flemington House,110 Flemington Street, Glasgow G21 4BX

Tel:0141 557 2513E-mail: [email protected] Web:www.williebain.com

Willie Bain Surgery TimesSpringburn surgery details -Date: First Friday of every month Time: 2:30pmVenue: North Glasgow Housing Association, Ned Donaldson House, 50 Reidhouse Street, Springburn G21 4LS

First Friday of the month:Milton Community Campus, 204 Liddesdale Road, Milton G22 7AR (4:15pm)

Barmulloch Community Centre and Library, 46 Wallacewell Quadrant G21 3PX (5.30pm)

Third Friday of the month:Milnbank Housing Association Headquarters, 53 Ballindalloch Drive, Dennistoun G31 3DQ (2:30pm) Riddrie Library and Learning Centre, 1020 Cumbernauld Road G33 2QS (4:15pm)

Molendinar Community Centre, 1210 Royston Road G33 1HE (5:30pm)

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Millions going Unclaimed as Cold Snap Hits Household FinancesASSISTANCE to help people with energy bills is not being fully utilised according to Glasgow Scottish National Party MSP and longstanding fuel poverty campaigner Bob Doris. Mr Doris raised the issue with Alex Neil MSP, Minister for Communities and Housing, at the Scottish Parliament. Both Mr Neil and Mr Doris expressed frustration at the combination of cuts to the Scottish budget, rising energy prices and lowering household incomes – all factors which make it more difficult to alleviate fuel poverty. The devolved Scottish Government has no control over energy policy but has provided a groundbreaking initiative, the Energy Assistance Package, to help householders keep warm. In raising the issue with fellow MSPs, Mr Doris hopes to raise awareness of the help that is available by both the government and the energy firms as the weather again takes a turn for the worse. Mr Doris said: “It is regrettable that so much available assistance is going unclaimed in these difficult economic times. Fuel poverty is one of Scotland’s

greatest unsolved social problems and I fear very much for how some people will cope if this winter is as severe as many are predicting. “But there may be good news for many constituents. My concern is that despite advertising promotions there are still a number of people who are unaware of the help they could receive from the Energy Assistance Package, which the Scottish Government has invested heavily in. All it takes is a quick call to the Energy Savings Trust on 0800 512 012 or online at energysavingstrust.org.uk/Scotland. "Most properties in Scotland are inadequately insulated for our climate. A simple extra layer of loft insulation can slice £145 a year off bills, or £110 by insulating cavity walls. Some people have found savings of up to £1500 per year. "An additional resource is the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 336699 which is funded by the ‘big 6’ energy companies through the Energy Retail Association. Recent research from the New Policy Institute (NPI) on behalf of the Home Heat Helpline has revealed that 418,700 households

in Scotland that could claim grants for insulation and reduced energy tariffs. “Whilst we may often find cause to criticise energy firms when prices go up, this scheme provides real benefit to consumers and should be taken up by all those eligible. The Home Heat Helpline estimate that customers could typically save £260 a year on their energy bills but only 12% have actually claimed free help. The Glasgow based Home Heat Helpline can also be accessed at www.homeheathelpline.org.uk.” The Helpline’s trained advisers can provide eligible customers with access to one or more of the following services:

insulation

provides extra services for people who are elderly or disabled including bills in large text or Braille, security passwords and an annual gas safety check

customers in fuel debt

Lord Provost New Year MessageONE of the privileges of being Lord Provost is

of meeting and greeting people from all corners of the world on behalf of the people of Glasgow. And I have to say that the overwhelming reaction I receive from people is that they love Glasgow and its people. As a Councillor for the Maryhill/Kelvin ward I also regularly meet and work on behalf of my constituents as one of their council representatives. The people of Glasgow are unique and, as a proud Glaswegian myself, I have witnessed our city change and reinvent itself from a place of heavy industry to a modern and thriving metropolitan centre. Indeed George Galster, Professor of Urban Affairs at Detroit’s Wayne State University last month, comparing the fortunes of Detroit and Glasgow praised local government, the social welfare system and regional planning arrangements for allowing our city to prosper. New Year is traditionally a time to gather friends and family together and reflect on the year that has passed and it has been a year to remember. We as proud hosts of the 2014 Commonwealth Games have been working hard with our partners including the Scottish Government to ensure that this event leaves Glaswegians with a lasting positive legacy and we are consulting widely with them to achieve this. Despite the global economic downturn we have committed ourselves to projects that will deliver a sensational Games: the M74 extension which will be completed in June next year and the development of the Athletes Village and the National Indoor Sports Arena. We recently reclaimed the title of UK Curry Capital and are working hard to promote our city as a UNESCO City of Music and a City of Science, we also have a Royal Wedding to look forward to. The credit crunch is the bad news that all of us will remember. We are all having to spend less and make our money go further – including the council. We, like you, want to make sure that businesses and jobs stay in Glasgow for the benefit of the people of the city and the wider economy. Let us hope that the New Year bring better news on the economic front. In the meantime, I wish you all the very best for 2011.

We’re On the Web Do You Know you can now access each edition of the Re-Gen Newspaper Group via the Web?

All you have to do to get your copy of Either The Re-Gen, The Re-Gen North or The East Dunbartonshire Gen is .....Log on to.........

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4 January 2011 Re-GEN North

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5January 2011

ALL SET TO BUILD A NEW NORTH GLASGOW

PARTNERS IN COMMUNITY CLEAN UPNorth Glasgow Housing Association and Glasgow City Council (GCC) Land and Environmental Services have agreed to work together to help improve the environment in the Possilpark area.The new environmental team supported and managed by North Glasgow HA will provide a clean up service designed to enhance the work already being carried out by GCC. Councillor Jim Coleman, executive member for Land and Environmental Services, said: “The City Council is delighted that North Glasgow Housing Association is assisting Land and Environmental Services to improve the local environment of Possilpark“It’s another great example of joint initiatives which support the local community. It’s also great to see that local young people will be involved in the clean-up and have the opportunity to learn and develop their skills for the bene�t of their own communities.”John Devine, Head of Business Development at North Glasgow HA said: “I’m pleased the Association is working in partnership with Glasgow City Council to enhance and support a physical clean up of the Saracen Street area.”The new clean-up service is being

supplemented by the Housing Association’s Kick Start Futures Programme – an initiative aimed at preparing younger adults (aged 18–24) for employment and further training by focusing learning and developing skills in Estate Maintenance.The team made a big impression on the

Balmore Road area when they spruced up the paving, using power washing equipment.The ng2 ‘Green Machine’ was used during the clean up and has also been �tted with a plough during the recent snow, helping the environment team to clear and grit pavements.

North Glasgow Housing Association staff are working to make community ownership a reality for tenants in the north of the city.The Association will almost double in size after the recent transfer ballots when GHA tenants in the three LHO areas voted overwhelmingly to switch landlord.The transfer should be completed by the end of March.Working with existing tenants and other partners the Association believes a new North Glasgow can be built – a great place to live, learn, work, visit and invest in.Robert Tamburrini, Chief Executive of North Glasgow Housing Association,

pictured with some of his staff after the ballot result was announced, said: “We look forward to welcoming GHA tenants and to providing them with a �rst class local service.“We are delighted they have voted to have North Glasgow Housing Association as their new landlord. We want to thank them sincerely for putting their trust in us and we look forward to working together with them for the bene�t of the North Glasgow community.“As we move into a New Year, we open a new chapter in the history of the Association and look forward to working together to create a new North Glasgow.”

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Suzie’s January Spreads Aries (21 March - 20 April)

In disarray you feel as if you have been thrown to the wolves! By mid January the planets are on your side so stay calm, stay focused on what and where you want to go, even the most difficult situations will seem like a blessing in disguise if you manage to see beyond the illusion and keep calm.

Anne is a Spiritualist Medium, Tarot reader and a Reiki Master & available for private consultation, healings and church

services contact, ANNE on 07506723569 Email [email protected] or visit www.angelanne.co.uk

Your Horoscope Predictions

New, A Psychic Post Bag, where you can write to Anne to ask personal questions on your life or from your loved ones on the other side.

Please send your question and three numbers from 0 – 78 or a picture of your loved one in a sealed envelope toAngel Anne Smith c/o The Re Gen, Main Street, Baillieston.Or e-mail Anne at [email protected] note that we cannot guarantee the safe return of photographs.

Cancer (22 June – 23 July)

This month sees power struggles in your personal relationships, who wants what and where and when or how are they going to get it. Mercury comes into your sign on the 13th which will help your communications and will make a strong relationship stronger and the not so strong may crumble a bit, it is important that you approach your own relationships as you do your friends with compassion and empathy.

Taurus (21 April – 21May) You have the courage of your convictions from the 7th you are entering a new phase much like the phoenix from the ashes. You are focused poised and ready for all that comes before you, anyone who has try to pull the wool over your eyes better be prepared as your forthrightness is at an all time high, from the 13th you are back to being a calmer, gentler bull!

Gemini (22 May – 21 June)

It is not the best month for you, there is much moving and towing this month, Venus comes into your chart on the 7th helping existing relationships to settle down and become a little more cosy. Skipping along pretending all is well will only cause you worry, it is time to search deep in your soul to what you truly want and stop pleasing other people.

Leo (24 July – 23 Aug)

You have felt as if you have been alone, no one listening or taking notice of you or your ideas this is all about to change from the 15th mars enters your sign and relights your fire and the truth of an existing relationship. The sun is in your sign from the 2oth and your feeling much more optimistic and perkier about your love life.

Virgo (24th Aug 23 Sept)

Spending to much time dwelling or thinking about the past will get you nowhere, neither will pondering about the meaning of life. Do not let caution hold you back form grabbing life with both hands, there are new opportunities or should I say relationships on the horizon and just may be closer than you think!

Libra (24 Sept – 23 Oct)

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions, or should I say indecision is so often a big issue for you and nowhere is it more prevalent this month than in your love life, from the 22nd January Jupiter re-enters your love skies and you will see clearly who is meant to be your true love or not so true love, try not to allow the minor problems become mountains!

Scorpio (24 Oct – 22 Nov)

That old devil called “love” is around you as you draw suitors like a moth to a flame, Venus is in your sign until the 7th so make the most of this as your charisma is at an all time high, if you are already in a relationship the 15th is the best day to get all romantic and spoil your partner.

Sagittarius (23 Nov – 21 Dec)

Venus is in your sign from the 7th and Mercury from the 13th so any promises you made in December will now need to be fulfilled or they will come back to bite you in the bum! You are a romantic but need to stop thinking of how it used to be, change what needs fixed and if its not broke, don’t.

Capricorn (22 Dec – 20 Jan)

With Pluto in your sign all through 2011 it is a good year to make all those promises you have made yourself come true, wither it is losing weight, getting fitter or just getting your finances in order this is your year as Pluto brings in an energy of transformation and January is particularly good for taking that new you to a bigger audience.

Aquarius (21 Jan – 19 Feb)

Your life seems to be a little confusing at the moment as you wander around a little confused and bewildered, your love life is also going under the telescope. It will begin to settle around the 20th of the month as your head suddenly falls out of the clouds and you see clearly where you are going.

Pisces (20 Feb – 20 Mar)

Venus is giving you a helping hand from the 7th as you seem to be in the right place, meeting the right people at the right time, you are being given information to help you make the necessary changes in your personal and financial life, do take heed and make those plans a reality.

by Anne Smith

Hello everyone and welcome to a new decade. I wish you all a very happy and prosperous new year. And a Bon Voyage to my mate Lisa who is heading down under with her hubby and wee boy. I wish you all the luck in the world. 2011 geezo. I and those of us of a certain age will remember being wee and thinking 1999 was a million years away and here we are 2011 .Hehehee. I trust you all had a safe and merry Christmas. It was magic at my house. Three year olds really get into the swing of it. I used one of hubby’s work boots as a template and sprinkled icing sugar over the hearth to make “Santa’s” footprint. I even remembered to eat the cookie and drink the milk. Can remember Santa leaving footprints on my hearth. The oldies are the best. As are a few of the recipes I have chosen for you this week. With all the rich food and over indulgence of the last few weeks we need some good old plain basic comfort food.

Pea and Ham Soup

1 pack of marrowfat peas soaked overnight in plenty of water3 ham stock cubesAny leftover ham or a few slices of bacon chopped1 onion chopped very finely

Boil the peas and cook according to the pack instructions. Once cooked drain and add the stock cubes, onion and bacon or /ham bits. Add 2 pints of water bring to the boil and simmer for 10 min. Greatb with crusty bread.

Fish with Parsley Sauce

Allow 1 large fish per person. Ask the fishmonger to roll it for you. You can use any meaty whole fish. I prefer haddock or whiting. 1 fish stock cubeSmall tub of cream optional1 packet parsley sauce mix or make your own with a basic white sauce and loads of chopped parsley.

Place the rolled fish in a deep casserole dish. Make up the sauce for a creamier sauce use cream rather than milk and crumble in the stock cube for added depth of flavour. Pour the sauce over the fish and cover with a tight fitting lid. Bake in a hot oven 190 for 25 min. This is delicious served with buttered new potatoes and peas.

Baked Alaska

1 Large ice cream swiss roll or frozen regular swiss roll5 egg whites Icing sugar

Place the swiss roll on an oven tray Beat the egg whites until smooth and add 1tbsp icing sugar and beat until stiff. spread the meringue over the roll thickly. Dust with icing sugar and place in a very hot oven 200c for 4-5 mins until meringue has set and lightly browned. Serve immediately.

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or e-mail [email protected]

7 January 2011

GLASGOW Housing Association (GHA) staff have been praised by Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil after working round the clock to keep disruption to tenants to a minimum during the big thaw. Staff at GHA’s Customer Service Centre (CSC), which is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, have dealt with hundreds of calls from tenants reporting problems due to the bad weather over the Christmas period. Since Christmas Day, CSC staff have taken hundreds of calls about burst and frozen pipes and gas maintenance from GHA tenants. GHA - one of the biggest social landlords in the UK with 54,000 tenants - and its partner City Building - have been pulling out all the stops to do everything they can to help tenants whose homes have been affected by the thaw. Emergency teams have worked through the festive season, checking on tenants, contacting family members on their behalf and helping with the aftermath of the big freeze. City Building staff arranged for dehumidifiers to dry out homes affected by flooding, delivered drinking water to homes which

have had their supply affected, supplied temporary heaters where there have been problems with heating and checked electrics. City Building and GHA have done everything they can to help people remain in their own homes. In a few cases they have arranged temporary accommodation until problems can be fixed. Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil, who visited GHA’s repairs service today, said: “In recent weeks, Scotland has experienced the most significant snowfall at this time of year since 1965. “As the big thaw takes hold, today, I saw for myself the GHA emergency teams in action and their tremendous efforts to help tenants across the city. “Their commitment is being replicated across the country. Other publicly funded and voluntary bodies are also rolling up their sleeves and working hard to keep Scotland moving.” GHA’s Executive Director of Housing and Customer Services Mick McCabe said: “Our staff have dealt with a higher number of calls than usual over the past few weeks and tenants who phone in with an emergency in their home are our

top priority. “With our partners City Building, we’ve been doing everything we can to help tenants affected by the severe weather and the thaw over the last few days. The impact of the freeze has been minimised for our customers thanks to our huge investment programme which has provided new heating and energy-efficient overcladding to the majority of our homes. This has helped keep homes and families warm in these freezing temperatures.” GHA Chair Gordon Sloan added: “I’d like to thank staff at the Customer Service Centre who have worked round the clock all through Christmas to help tenants who have experienced real difficulties during this bad weather.” If tenants need to report a repair or frozen or burst pipes or a gas breakdown they should call the GHA Customer Service Centre on 0800 479 7979. Staff will be able to give advice on what to do next and arrange a visit from our repairs team if necessary. GHA’s Customer Service Centre is open 24 hours a day, every day right through Christmas and New Year.

Minister goes on call with GHA emergency teams

PUPILS at St Joan of Arc Primary school in Milton are over the moon at the success of their new CD which will raise money for the Mary’s Meals charity. The school was chosen to record songs during an X Factor type competition and the CD named “Archaeology” has been sponsored by McVities, Response Call Centre and Irwin Mitchell (Lawyers). St Joan of Arc school in Balmore Road is a facility which teaches children with additional support needs and fifteen of the youngsters who are set to leave were recently given work experience at Response Call Centre to prepare them for employment. Launched in the Winter Gardens last October the cash from the CD will assist Mary’s Meals in providing school canteens in the world’s poorest places such as Haiti and Malawi. Already around half of the CD’s have been sold and the Re-Gen North would like to congratulate everyone involved in this great project.

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“Archaeology”

GLASGOW COUNCIL ON ALCOHOL PARTNERSHIP WORKING WITHIN THE SARACEN DISPERSAL ZONEGlasgow Council on Alcohol in partnership with other services involved within the Saracen dispersal zone is planning a coordinated approach to supporting the community of Saracen and Hamiltonhill both during and after the dispersal zone period.

The North West Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Education team plan to raise awareness of alcohol use within the local community, this will involve our team working in partnership with a variety of local groups to provide alcohol information and advice, we plan to provide groupwork sessions for all community members.Our aim is to raise awareness of how alcohol affects individuals and the community as a whole. The team will support local licensed premises to promote the responsible sale of alcohol within the community.

If you are a member of a group who would like to receive a groupwork session or indeed just want more information on the above service please contact our team

on 0141 558 7744 or email [email protected]

Also Glasgow Council on Alcohol new community based service Alcohol Intervention Support Service (ALISS) Can also offer Confidential one-to-one support with the option of groupwork with the aim of helping people understand and manage their alcohol use.

Many people can experience problems with alcohol. If you feel you or anyone else’s alcohol use is affecting your health, relationships, finances, employment, or any other area of your life, you can contact us for a free and confidential appointment.

For further information please contact the Glasgow Council on Alcohol on 0141 353 1800 and ask for your local ALISS counsellor.

If you are hard of hearing or speech impaired and use a text phone, please call 0141 353 3113

0908 January 2011

What Matters to You Matters To UsTIME FOR A LOCAL LANDLORDFROM next week you will be given the opportunity to choose a local landlord.

Maryhill Housing Association is campaigning right up to the very last minute to secure a YES VOTE to enable us to fulfil all the promises we have made to GHA tenants.But we can only deliver on these promises if you VOTE YES. That won’t happen if people vote no in the Second Stage Transfer ballot.So why should you vote to transfer your homes to Maryhill Housing Association?

Firstly and most importantly we are a LOCAL LANDLORD. We know our community very well, what its needs are and how to go about improving it. We believe in making Maryhill and Ruchill great places in which to live and we have been standing up for these communities since 1977. That’s over three decades of putting tenants FIRST.The importance of a local landlord has come up again and again as we go round the doors meeting people, listening to your views and answering questionsHere on these pages you can see what we are promising you if you VOTE YES.We believe in safe streets - that’s why we have set up Neighbourhood Watch schemes and plan to create more if tenants want themWe believe in not demolishing homes but building new ones instead.We believe in making sure you are involved in our decisions by involving tenants in decision-making.And we believe in landscaped grounds near your homes which are clean and tidy. And that goes for back courts and closes as well.Voting will last for three weeks FROM JANUARY 17 and you will receive guidance on how to go about voting when you receive your ballot paper.Help us to go on working hard for Maryhill and Ruchill by voting YES to choose a LOCAL LANDLORD.

Dear FriendThis month you will get the opportunity to vote on Second Stage Transfer. It is an important decision for Maryhill and Ruchill. Only if there is a YES vote we can deliver on all our promises which will benefit GHA tenants and make sure both Maryhill and Ruchill have a bright future. But we need you to VOTE YES to make this happen. We are a local landlord, we are here to serve the people of both communities and we want to continue to put you first. I’m appealing directly to you to vote YES and make things happen.

Lorain Mackinnon ChairMaryhill Housing Association

OUR PROMISES TO YOU IF YOU VOTE YES:

A GUARANTEE ON WHAT YOU PAY IN RENT

SPENDING MONEY LOCALLY - NOT CITY WIDE

NO DEMOLITION OF PROPERTIES

BUILDING NEW HOMES FOR OUR COMMUNITY

A LOCALLY BASED LANDLORD MAKING LOCAL DECISIONS

HIGH LEVEL OF TENANT INVOLVEMENT

COMMITTED TO WELFARE RIGHTS SERVICE

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

VOTE YES FOR MARYHILL

Maryhill Housing Association is committed to improving people’s homes as well as building new ones.And there is no better example of that than the renovations we have recently undertaken at Shiskine Place sheltered housing development.As part of our ongoing programme a number of improvements were made.Tenant Helen Donald who is also Chair of Village/Burgh Halls Residents’ Association explained: “We want to thank Maryhill Housing Association for all of the work which has been done at Shiskine just now.“The heating is great, the windows are great. Everybody is saying it has made such a difference to their house. It’s so cosy and warm, and there is no condensation running down windows.”Secretary Barbara Jackson said: “We have had our new intercom fitted, and have the fobs. The staircase windows have also been done So a big thank you.”Now both Helen and Barbara are encouraging GHA tenants to vote YES in the ballot.Helen added: “Maryhill Housing Association is a good landlord and is committed to the area. I think GHA tenants will benefit greatly if they vote to make Maryhill Housing Association their landlord.”

Maryhill is continuing to build new homes at Ruchill Street and The Botany and we are working on the conversion of Maryhill Primary School to flats. New houses planned at Maryhill locks will be allocated to GHA tenants affected by clearance and demolition programmes locally and city wide.

WELFARE RIGHTS SERVICE - SAFE IN OUR HANDSMaryhill Housing Associations operates a Welfare Rights Service to provide a helping hand.This service IS GUARANTEED to continue for all tenants - including former GHA ones if transfer goes ahead. We also aim to increase and enhance it. Claiming benefits can be a challenging task. We don’t want any of you to miss out on what you are entitled to.Carrying on with the Welfare Benefits service is a key pledge to GHA tenants considering how to vote in the transfer.Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Disability Allowance and Attendance Allowance are all things that can be looked at and claimed if you are eligible.We can help fill in benefit forms, deal with letters about benefits, speak to the benefit authorities on your behalf and help you choose the right benefits to claim.

BUILDING OF NEW HOMES

IMPROVING HOMES IS WHAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT

January 2011 09

10 January 2011

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You do not have to lift a finger, just the phone!For more information on Glasgow Furniture Initiative and our

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GLASGOW CHP (FORMER NORTH GLASGOW) SMOKING CESSATION GROUPS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011

Start date: Thursday 13th January 2011 (for 7 weeks)6.00pm at Springburn Health Centre200 Springburn Way, Glasgow, G21 1TR

Start date: Wednesday 19th January 2011 (For 7 weeks)6.00pm at Maryhill Health Centre41 Shawpark Street, Glasgow, G20 9DR

Start date: Monday 24th January 2011 (For 7 weeks)1.00pm at St. Matthew’s Centre, St. Matthew’s Church200 Balmore Road, Glasgow, G22 6LJ

Start date: Friday 28th January 2011 (For 7 weeks)10.30am at Springburn Health Centre200 Springburn Way, Glasgow, G21 1TR

Start date: Monday 7th February 2011 (For 7 weeks)10.30am at Maryhill Community Centre35 Avenuepark Street, Glasgow, G20 8TS

DROP-IN CLINICSMaryhill Health Centre(Community Area)Every wednesday at 10.00 A.M.-.12.00.Noon

Milton Medical CentreEvery wednesday at 2.30 P.M-3.30 P.M.

Springburn Health CentreEvery thursday at 10.00 A.M.- 1.00 P.M.

To make a referral or for more informationContact: - Stop Smoking Team, Former North GlasgowCHCP Headquarters

Tel – 0141 201 9729

Tips For Keeping New Year's ResolutionsThe Best Way To Stick With Your New Year's Resolution Is To Plan Ahead.Start

Finish

1. Be RealisticThe surest way to fall short of your goal is to make your goal unattainable. For instance, resolving to never eat your favorite food again because it bothers your IBD could be a bad choice. Strive for a goal that is attainable, such as avoiding it more often than you do now.

2. Plan AheadDon't make your resolution on New Year's Eve. If you wait until the last

minute, it will be based on your mindset that particular day. Instead, it should be planned well before December 31 arrives.

3. Outline Your PlanDecide how you will deal with the temptation to skip that exercise class or have one more cigarette. This could include calling on a friend for help, practicing positive thinking and self-talk, or reminding yourself how your bad

habit affects your IBD.4. Make A "Pro" And "Con" ListIt may help to see a list of items on paper to keep your motivation strong. Develop this list over time, and ask others to contribute to it. Keep your list with you and refer to it when you need help keeping your resolve.

5. Talk About ItDon't keep your resolution a secret. Tell friends and family members who will be there to support your resolve to change

yourself for the better or improve your health. The best case scenario is to find yourself a buddy who shares your New Year's resolution and motivate each other.

6. Reward YourselfThis doesn't mean that you can eat an entire box of chocolates if your resolution is to diet. Instead, celebrate your success by treating yourself to something that you enjoy that does not contradict your resolution. If you've been sticking to your promise to eat better, for example, perhaps your reward could be going to a movie with a friend.

7. Track Your ProgressKeep track of each small success you make toward reaching your larger goal. Short-term goals are easier to keep, and small accomplishments will help keep you motivated. Instead of focusing on losing 30 pounds, say, focus on losing that first 5. Keeping a food diary or a symptom journal may help you stay on track.

8. Don't Beat Yourself UpObsessing over the occasional slip won't help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day, and take each day one at a time.

9. Stick To ItExperts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity, such as exercising, to become a habit, and 6 months for it to become part of your personality. Your new healthful habits will become second-nature in no time.

10. Keep TryingIf your resolution has totally run out of steam by mid-February, don't despair. Start over again! There's no reason you can't make a "New Year's resolution" any time of year.

11 January 2011

new north glasow a great place to live, learn, work, visit and invest in.

Call us free on: 08000 463812

Our support reflects our commitment to creating safe communities and building a new North Glasgow - a great place

to live, learn, work, visit and invest in.”

new north glasgow a great place to live, learn, work, visit and invest in.call us free on: 0800 463812

working in partnership with strathclyde police

“Our support reflects our commitment to creating safe communities and building a new North Glasgow - a great place to live, learn, work, visit and invest in. “

Young

Peoples Futures

The aim of Young Peoples Futures is to create a safe and nuturing environment for children and young people , to assist in their

development and to play a full and informed part in the ongoing regeneration of their local neighbourhoods.please log on to our website for more info

www.youngpossilfutures.org.ukPossilpoint Community Centre

In the heart of Possilpark, next to the Possil and Milton Forum for Disabiltiy Building.

By Post:Anne Lawrance (Project Manager)

PO Box16523

Glasgow

By PhoneOffi ce at Possilpoint Community Centre

(0141) 336 8883or The Bungalow

(0141) 336 8136

Young Peoples Futures (formerly known as Young Possil

Futures) is a charitable company, working with children and young people aged 5-18 years

that provides drop-in based diversionary activities in the Possilpark, Lambhill, Westercommon and

Hamiltonhill communities of North Glasgow.

-Dispersal Update-Dispersal Update-Dispersal Update-AS everyone began settling into the routine of getting back to work following the holiday festivities the Re-Gen North took a trip up to the Possil, Saracen, area to see how the Dispersal Order had affected the local residents. As we drove up it was noticeable that the number of people hanging around the street corners had diminished and that there was actually a more friendly atmosphere throughout. There was a spring in the steps of the locals which previously had been a drag as they went about their daily business. The first person we spoke to, was a woman from Saracen Street who, as we approached her looked a little fearful and when we introduced ourselves and asked her about how the Dispersal had

affected her she retorted, “What’s That About?” When we explained about the Police presence in the area, she then totally relaxed and opened up to us. “Do you know something” she told us, “I now feel safe going to the Cash-Line at the Cross instead of going about a mile away to lift money.” She continued, “ I now don’t have second thoughts about popping down to the shop at 11-00 o’clock at night where a couple of months ago I would never have thought about going over the door at that time of night and would have done without”. Our next interviewee was another lady who was on her road to work when we stopped her. “I used to hate standing at that bus-stop” she told us, “because I used to get them coming up to me

asking for money or fags, since this Dispersal thing has come in it’s great. No hassle, No fear and now I even walk to work some days and I honestly enjoy it. It’s the best thing that’s happened here for years”. All positive so far then, but the next two we stopped were standing outside one of the local pubs having a cigarette had different opinions. “It’s driving me mental” said one of the men, “Ah get stopped at least Three times a day and they say they are checking for outstanding warrants but Ah keep telling them that Ah’ve no got

any. Then they tell me about places where Ah can go to get Information about things but I’m no wanting tae know they things”. “Ah’m no bothering about the Dispersal an that, Ah just want tae be able tae go aboot an dae ma ain thing”. His friend was of the same opinion, “They don’t need aw these Polis up here, Ye canny get moving fur them an this place is wan ae the safest places in Glesca, when ye look at Easterhoose an aw they places.” “An imagine bringing Horses tae go about the streets, it’s no that Ah’m scared ae horses cause ye

never know if thur gonny kick ye ur no.” He continued, “Everywhere ye look there ur police and ye know there gonny pull ye up so ye jist keep moving about. It makes ye get fed up an that.” We thought there might be a little more that both these gents could learn about the Dispersal before we interview them again. Our last call was to the local Chemist shop to see if the staff there had noticed any changes since the introduction of the Notice and the Manager was very forthcoming. “When I read in the Re-Gen about the Dispersal taking place I was a little sceptical but since it has come into force the improvement in the area has been

dramatic. We have no problems now with people loitering either inside or outside the shop and it gives our customers a certain peace of mind.” So there you have it, some local people’s views as to just how the Dispersal Notice is working. The Re-Gen North will be out speaking to more and more people as the Dispersal continues and if it is anything like the other areas where these measures have been introduced we are confident that there will be more positive re-actions in the weeks to come. If you have any opinions about the Dispersal Order we would be delighted to hear from you. Contact us at the Re-Gen North 85 Main Street Baillieston Glasgow G69 7AD.

Saracen Dispersal – UpdateTHE Saracen Dispersal began on 14 December 2010, following months of careful planning with partners. As previously highlighted, the Dispersal is designed to support the people living and working in the Saracen, Hamiltonhill and Possilpark communities and allow them to go about their normal lives without fear of intimidation or harassment. From the first day, Strathclyde Police has committed a large number of officers to the Dispersal and this continues. The increase in visible officers has certainly been noticed by the communities with many positive comments being received. The police horses in particular are attracting a lot of attention with many youngsters keen to pat the horses and speak to the riders. Importantly, officers are not just patrolling the dispersal zone itself but also the surrounding areas to make sure there is not simply a displacement of the antisocial behaviour to neighbouring communities. Officers are also making regular visits to shops and licensed premises, speaking to staff and customers. It is pleasing to see that officers are actively engaging with all sectors of the community. Importantly, they are not merely dispersing or excluding groups on a blanket or ‘catch all’ basis. They are talking to groups to find out more about them, what they are up to and are only exercising their powers under the Dispersal Order if absolutely necessary. This is illustrated by the fact that in the first 3 weeks, 41 people have been

either dispersed or excluded. This compares to the hundreds of people officers have engaged with. Out of those 41, six individuals have been arrested for failing to comply with either a dispersal or exclusion instruction. This involves people of all ages and again highlights that the Dispersal is not about targeting the young. These figures are encouraging but even more so are the numerous comments received from members of the community, such as being able to use a bus shelter without intimidation from drug users, being able to go in and out of shops without having to avoid menacing groups, and generally feeling much safer. But the policing aspect of the Dispersal is only part of it. Partner agencies have also been playing a big part with three information hubs set aside for people to access information about diversionary activities, training and employment opportunities and services that can provide individuals with support and assistance. These information points remain open and I would encourage people to use them.*

As said, the information points provide details of regular diversionary activities however, during the festive period additional arrangements were made, with free entry to Petershill and Springburn Leisure Centres for those living in the communities and free youth activity evenings provided by Young Peoples Futures. In conjunction with our partners we are planning to hold a roadshow in January / February to attract the views of those living in and around the Dispersal zone and assist people in accessing the many support services that are available. In the meantime, we are very keen to get feedback from the communities and I would encourage people to speak to officers while they are out on patrol or alternatively email any comments directly to the local community policing team on [email protected] Lyall, Inspector, Saracen Police Office

The 3 information points are:

12 January 2011

CRIMESTOPPERS0800 555 111

SERIOUS ASSAULT - THURSO STREET, GLASGOWSTRATHCLYDE Police is appealing for information after a 25 year-old man was seriously assaulted in Dumbarton Road in Partick. Around 3-00am on Sunday 19 December 2010 the 25 -year-old man was seriously assaulted following an altercation in Thurso Street near to Dumbarton Road. The injured man was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Western Infirmary where he was treated for multiple stab wounds. Hospital staff describe his condition as stable. Detective Sergeant Charlie Craig of Partick CID told the Re-Gen North: "Initial enquiries reveal that this is not a random attack and that the victim has been targeted. "We are aware that the injured man was asked to leave BOHO public house after being involved in an earlier altercation. Officers are checking local CCTV in a bid to piece together exactly what happened this morning". "Anyone who was in the area around the time of the assault, who may either witnessed the incident take place, or has information that may assist police enquiries to contact Partick Police Office on 0141 532 3500. Alternatively CRIMESTOPPERS can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained."

ATTEMPTED MURDER - BLACKHILL, GLASGOWPOLICE are appealing for information after a man was critically injured in the Blackhill area of Glasgow on Sunday 26 December 2010. Around 2-30am on Sunday 26th December, a disturbance took place on Hogganfield Street, Blackhill involved up to 20 people, both men and women. As a result, a 21 year old man sustained serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to Glasgow Royal Infirmary where he is presently detained. Hospital staff described his condition as critical. Detective Sergeant John Semple, is asking witnesses or anyone with information about the attack to contact him. He said: "We believe that the fight was between rival gangs in the area andinvolved up to 20 people, both men and women, fighting with baseball bats and shovels. "We received numerous calls about the disturbance so there are plenty people out there who will have information as to who was there, who was responsible and can give at least some details as to what actuallyhappened."Anyone with information can contact Baird Street CID on telephone number 0141 532 4100 or CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111, where details can be passed anonymously."

STRATHCLYDE Police is appealing for witnesses following a robbery in the Maryhill area of Glasgow on 1st January 2011.Around 0230 hours on Saturday, a 26 year old woman was making her way to her home address in Lyndhurst Gardens when she became aware of the two male suspects approaching her from behind. One suspect was in possession of what is thought to be a small knife. The males demanded money and the female handed over cash and her mobile phone. Both suspects then made off along Lyndhurst Gardens in the direction of Maryhill Road.The suspects are described as follows;1.White Male aged 18-21, 5’8 in height, Heavy build, local accent, short dark brown curly hair, dark coloured hooded top, denim jeans, white trainers, chubby appearance.2. White Male aged 18-21, 5’6 medium build, short blonde hair, wearing dark zipper top with hood up and of ‘ned like’ appearance. Anyone who saw anything or who has any information that may assist police enquires is asked to contact Pollok Police Office on 0141 532 5400. Alternatively CRIMESTOPPERS can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

ABOUT 2-00am on 01/01/11 a domestic incident occurred in the Wyndford area of Maryhill whereby a female was seriously injured. Police were called to attend at Glasgow Western Infirmary and speak with the victim who received injuries which have resulted in the loss of sight in her right eye. CID officers from Maryhill attended the hospital and obtained a statement from the victim who stated that her 30 year old male partner was responsible for the assault. Officers then carried out enquiries and later attended back at the hospital where the accused was arrested and taken to Maryhill Police Office. He was later charged with Serious Assault and remained in police custody to attend court on 05/01/2011.

ON 31 DECEMBER, in Glenbarr Street, Glasgow, a man was found in possession of 6 wraps of cocaine totalling 10g in weight. The offender admitted that he intended to pass the drugs to friends at a party he was attending. He was held in custody pending an appearance at Glasgow Sheriff Court.A man, arrested on 3 January for taking a car from Acredyke Road in Glasgow without the owner's permission is facing a total of five charges including driving without due care and attention, driving without insurance and failing to report an accident. Following questioning regarding several similar crimes in the local area, he also faces charges of further offences.

ABOUT 1-53am on 02/01/11 a disturbance occurred outside Harveys Bar on Maryhill Road, Glasgow. Whilst the 27 year old male complainer was trying to flag down a taxi, he was approached by a group of males and females. Two males within the group attacked the complainer and began punching and kicking him about the head and body, he was also struck with a weapon. The complainer received a small laceration to his lip. Police were notified of the incident by CCTV operators and attended the scene immediately. On arrival officers were informed of the circumstances and detained the two suspect males. They were taken to Maryhill Police Office whilst enquiries were carried out and both were later charged with Assault.The suspects were released from custody to attend court at a later date.

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13 January 2011

14 January 2011

Parliamentary Patter

Paul Martin MSPPaul Martin MSP

Constituency Office604 Alexandra Parade

GlasgowG31 3BS

0141 564 1364

Paul Martin MSP

Patricia Ferguson MSP

Willie Bain MP0141 557 2513

www.williebain.com

Willie Bain MP

Patricia Ferguson MSP154 Raeberry Street,Glasgow G20 6EA0141 946 1300

[email protected]

[email protected]

FOR some years now I have campaigned to try to ensure that bus services in Glasgow are organised in a way that allows all the communities in my constituency to access hospitals, to journey into town and to have a service that is on time and is flexible enough to allow people to get to work, to school and to be able to keep appointments. While there have been some successes, for example, the alteration of one route to make it easier for people in Milton to access a bus to Stobhill, it has been frustrating to see other bus services reduced or withdrawn all together. I know that many people share my concerns, indeed, many hundreds signed my petition which called for Scotland's Transport Minister to explore new forms of regulation to ensure that the transport needs of our local communities are addressed. My Labour colleague, Charlie Gordon MSP, introduced a bill to Parliament which, if passed, would have made a big difference to the way that buses are organised and run and would have given the local transport authority the power to ensure that buses were not just operated for profit. Unfortunately, this bill was only backed by Labour members of the Parliament and failed to receive any support from SNP, Liberal Democrat or Conservative MSPs. The effects of the recent announcement of further reductions and alterations to services all across Glasgow from the 16th of January is concerning. In particular changes to the number 3 bus service provide the most glaring demonstration that buses are run for profit and not to serve the needs of our communities. This service currently provides access to Stobhill Hospital from the city centre travelling via St George’s Road and Saracen St, and providing a vital link to our local communities. Changes to this service will mean that the last evening bus to Stobhill from the City Centre at 6.30pm is being withdrawn as are those leaving Stobhill at 7.20pm and 8.20pm to return to the City. Given that evening visiting at Stobhill is from approximately 6.30pm to 8pm (it varies from ward to ward) the axing of these buses means that those wishing to visit their friends and relatives in hospital will have to make alternative arrangements or may not be able to visit at all. I will, of course, be fighting to save these buses and call on local people to join me. I sincerely hope that those SNP, Conservative and Lib Dem MSPs who failed to support moves to regulate bus services see the error of their ways and will accept that they have made a huge mistake and one for which our communities will suffer.

AS we begin this new year with the hike in VAT to its highest ever level in Britain of 20%, and the reality of the Tory-led Government’s severe cuts in public expenditure about to hit home, the questions starting to be posed in many hard-pressed Scots households this January are – how much are our finances going to be squeezed by rising inflation, food and fuel prices when wages for many will be frozen?Will interest rates rise and make the cost of our mortgage or credit card borrowings soar? Most importantly, where are the jobs that the Tories and Liberals promised would be created, particularly for young people? These could soon become the voices of the squeezed majority in Britain in 2011.There are two key points to make on the economy. Firstly, the pace of the Tory plans to cut the deficit is

too steep, and will cost too many jobs now. Labour’s alternative is to cut the deficit by half by the end of this Parliament, and to permit a further £7bn to be invested in capital projects than the Government is prepared to spend, which would support jobs in the construction sector, and give us the modern infrastructure we need to produce growth in this Parliament. Tory cuts which lead to higher Tory unemployment will not cut the deficit. The crisis which we have observed across the Irish Sea is a powerful lesson about the effect of such deflationary policies.Secondly, the Tory plans are unfair and target the wrong people. The Institute for Fiscal Studies have labeled the overall path of the Government’s tax and spending policies as regressive. Research from the TUC shows that women, families with children, and the low-paid will bear the biggest brunt of the cuts. As my written question

in November exposed, the Government proposes removing the mobility component from more than 60,000 Disability Living Allowance claimants in council funded nursing homes, harming the quality of life of vulnerable disabled people by as much as £18.95 or £49.85 per week. Taken as a whole the Government’s welfare cuts remove £18bn from the poorest over the course of the Parliament, substantially more than it is prepared to levy on taxing the banks, who bear a great responsibility for the economic crash in the first place. This week’s VAT bombshell detonated by the Tories and Liberals will cost ordinary families on average an extra £7.50 per week on the goods we all have to buy.This is a year in which we have to restore trust in politics given the brazen broken promises of the Tories and Liberals on VAT, education cuts, tuition fees, and tax

credits. We can do so by reforming our institutions, by giving the Scottish Parliament the enhanced financial powers and accountability it needs to help grow Scotland’s economy, by turning the House of Lords from Britain’s biggest quango into a modern, democratically elected second chamber, and by ending the scandal of MPs being elected with the support of less those half of those who turn out to vote, by changing the voting system for electing MPs through a Yes Vote in May’s referendum.But we also need to make it easier for the public’s voice to be heard in politics. Labour has begun the biggest policy consultation in our history as we turn our unshakeable commitment to a fairer Britain into new policies on jobs, wages, working patterns, equality, public services and the environment. We want to bring this conversation on Britain’s future from Parliament Street to your street in 2011.

The Tories know how to cut, but they have few plans on growth or sustainable jobs in new industries. As I raised with the Chancellor at Treasury Questions before Christmas, the Government’s Growth White Paper is still a work in progress, not published as promised, for the country to debate. Similarly, the Treasury is backing away from Labour’s plans for a Green Investment Bank with sufficient capital to generate the sustainable jobs in renewable energy and green technology which should be at the heart of a sustained recovery and a more diversified economy.Glaswegians may not be able to change the UK Government this year, but with our votes, we can make the Tories and Liberals listen. Let our powerful message be – change course on jobs and growth, before it is too late for this generation of Glasgow’s young people.

COMPLIMENTS of the Season to Re-Gen readers, I wish everyone a very happy and prosperous new year and look forward to contributing to future columns. The winter conditions at the end of last year presented us with many challenges. Train services were severely affected, main roads ground to a halt and schools were closed down. Many of those who are self employed suffered severe financial hardship and this is something we should bear in mind when debating how we cope with winter conditions. During such difficult times we look to those in authority to show leadership and drive, that was what was expected of the former Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson MSP. The SNP Minister wasn't criticised

because the weather was bad, but because information was not released quickly enough about how bad conditions were. Many lorry drivers and motorists were trapped in their vehicles overnight and it was very fortunate that no one died as a result of the situation.The Minister then compounded his errors by going on television and declaring that there had been a 'first class response’- this was certainly not the experience of those motorists living in the” real world”. It was all very well for the Minister and his officials to brief from the comfort of a warm television studio that all was well when clearly this was not the case. On 11th December Stewart Stevenson tendered his resignation as the SNP’s Transport Minister. This was the right decision given his

misjudgements in handling the situation in December when Scotland struggled to cope with the big freeze. The resignation of a Minister of any political party is not a matter of personal satisfaction to me. I can appreciate the turmoil that such a course of action must cause to the Minister concerned, however in difficult times people look for leadership from their politicians and when they fail in their duties they need to go. I hope the new Transport Minister, Keith Brown will learn from his predecessor’s lack of knowledge when it comes to being in touch with reality.If you would like to contact me on any issue please telephone 0141-564 1364 or visit my website on www.paulmartinmsp.org.uk

re-gen north issue 15

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