In October, the Association was successful in securing a £20,000 grant from the Scottish Government’s Community Choices Fund; one of sixteen community organisations from across Scotland to receive a share of the £750,000 Fund.

Working in partnership with Annexe Communities, the Association set up the Partick and Thornwood Ideas Fund to distribute the grant to projects which will benefit people living in the local area. The community was invited to apply for grants to deliver projects under three broad themes; Environment, Young People (under 25) and Elderly. The Fund was open to individuals and groups to apply for pots of up to £1500.

The Fund received a staggering 31 applications totalling £26,500. The community was invited to decide how funds should be distributed at a Community Voting Event at Partick Burgh Hall. Around 100 people attended the event, to hear from different projects. The individuals and groups seeking funding had prepared story boards and short presentations to explain their ideas.

One of the attendees said: “There was a fantastic atmosphere in the room with a strong sense of community. It was a great opportunity to hear about projects that I’m not familiar with. The event was well organised. Thank you to Partick Housing Association for a great night, I hope you do more of this kind of thing.”

Following the vote, 22 projects were funded, one was part-funded, and seven were unsuccessful. A full list of the projects and results is available on the Partick Housing Association website.

Viki McCormick, community development officer, said: “All of the ideas presented have potential to deliver activities which are really valuable to the community. Unfortunately, it is the nature of participatory budgeting that not all projects can be funded - the decision making power is in the hands of local people.

“Along with our partner organisation, Annexe Communities, we will work to support all of the applicants with the next steps regardless of the outcome of the voting event.”