The Association, with homes in Linwood and Johnstone, set up the ‘Linstone 20/20’ initiative to mark its 20th anniversary in 2018.

Now it has been named runner-up in the keenly-contested National Good Practice Awards run by the Tenant Participation Advisory Service Scotland.

Linstone was rewarded in the category of Best Practice in Developing Communities Award for the outstanding success of the 20/20 initiative.

The ceremony took place in St Andrews recently and was attended by members of the Linstone team.

Linstone 20/20 aims to build local people’s digital skills, to promote social inclusion and increase employment opportunities. It also seeks to increase community togetherness by promoting a sense of belonging and neighbourliness and provide opportunities to support and inspire others.

Delighted Linstone said it was the “perfect early Christmas present” for a project which has seen the Association grow even deeper roots with the communities it serves.

Chief executive Adele Fraser said: “Linstone 20/20 is about expanding the work which we are already doing in our local communities.

“Significantly we have developed our community hubs in Linwood and Johnstone which strengthens our presence in the communities where we have our homes. Serving these communities is crucial to the work we do as a housing association. We are delighted to have been recognised for what has been achieved.

“I also want to thank the Linstone 20/20 team for their enthusiasm and hard work in making it such a success.”

The award in which Linstone was runner-up particularly sought to reward successful community activities, work that helped employment, skills and confidence and instilled a sense of community pride – ideally suited to the 20/20 work.     

Debs Allan, Linstone 20/20’s project co-ordinator, said a key benefit to communities in Johnstone and Linwood had been the development of services provided in the three community hubs.

Debs explained: “These hubs have been invaluable in helping us deliver our programme with such things as summer fun events and Christmas parties. They provide a real focal point for activities.

“What Linstone 20/20 has done is to reinforce the commitment to our communities that Linstone has and we feel very privileged as a housing association to be helping people in so many ways.” 

The Awards from the Tenant Participation Service Scotland is an annual event designed to reward the dedication and celebrate the achievements of tenants and staff working in housing throughout Scotland.

Linstone 20/20 is funded by the Social Economic Growth Fund supported by the European Union and the Scottish Government.