The housing association won ‘Initiative of the Year’ at the 2025 All About Barrhead Awards organised by the town’s Business Improvement District.

Their Brighter Futures Barrhead Project has brought together 11 local organisations to deliver a wide variety of community activities that make a positive difference to people’s lives across Barrhead.

BH’s partnership groups include Dunterlie Food Share, Dunterlie Babies and Tots, Dunterlie Arts and Craft, Dunterlie Parent Support, Back to School Bank East Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire ASN Parent Action Group, as well as Totnosh, InCahootz and Prestige Analysis.

The other partnerships are with East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, Steph Davidson Textiles plus an independent living skills course - run by BH’s Tenancy Readiness Officer - for young people in two local high schools taking on a tenancy.

Barrhead Housing’s far-reaching contribution to improving the homes and lives of the people they work for in the past year has included:

    • an audited return in Social Value of no less than £7.7 million;
    • engaging 805 individuals and beneficiaries;
    • improving the quality of life of 498 customers;
    • holding 226 personal-development sessions for children and young people through activities ranging from Toddler Group to Drama and Outdoor Education;
    • the involvement of 43 volunteers;
    • a contribution of 6931 volunteer hours;
    • seven qualifications gained;
    • 134 exercise classes;
    • 79 arts & crafts sessions;
    • 98 food waste cooking workshops;
    • 20 mother and baby support sessions delivered to 42 parents;
    • 108 digital-engagement sessions;
    • 65 children provided with new school uniforms;
    • 71 Food Share sessions issuing 30 bags of food each week;
    • engaging more than 50 pupils in Barrhead and St Lukes high schools as part of a Home Skills Course that included interactive workshops in managing a home, budgeting, shopping, cooking, DIY, housekeeping, security and emergencies.

Barrhead Housing chair John Hamilton said: “I am delighted our successful partnership working has been recognised through this award.

“On behalf of the board, I would like to say a huge thank you to our wonderful staff and the incredible organisations who are helping us to make a positive difference to the lives of so many people, young and old.”