The strategy aims to transform communities and lives. It will see Link increase its engagement with communities and work closely with partners to align activities which improve and add value to the way services are delivered. It will also ensure that customer needs are at the heart of the design and delivery of specific sustainable communities projects.

In her foreword to the strategy, Shona Robison said: “Housing associations have a valuable role in supporting all people in their communities to live well locally. By placing the needs of their communities at the heart of everything they do I welcome this strategy and its ambition that all Link’s communities are attractive, successful and connected places for people to live and work.”

Sarah Smith, Link’s Group director of communities, added: “Since its inception in 1962, Link has been passionate about tackling inequalities and the effects of poverty through the provision of affordable housing.

“Over the years our activities have expanded to include care, welfare advice and employability services to support people to live well in their communities. As we enter our 60th year of operation, communities across Scotland are faced with major challenges; the cost of living is rising, poverty is on the increase and too many people are struggling to heat their homes and have enough to eat. Our Streets into Communities strategy reinforces and strengthens our commitment to tackle this.

“To help support this commitment we have established a small team of specialists and are delighted to announce the appointment of Grant Alexander as Head of this Community Wellbeing team.”