A new initiative promoting engagement with the Chinese community in a north Glasgow neighbourhood has been launched by Queens Cross Housing Association.

The project, called ‘Sharing Lives, Sharing Spaces’, aims to help the Association better engage with Chinese tenants in the Woodside area by offering access to free English classes, and money and welfare rights services, as well as children’s activities and cultural events.

The project was established following an award of £80,000 from the Scottish Government’s People and Communities Fund, which increases support for community-led regeneration throughout Scotland.

‘Sharing Lives, Sharing Spaces’ was officially launched at a traditional Chinese mid-autumn festival event last month, with presentations from Association staff, as well as Chinese food and music.

Xiao Zhou, project officer with the initiative, said: “Research has shown us that around one in five of our tenants in the Woodside neighbourhood are of Chinese ethnic origin, and a large number speak Mandarin as a first language.

“We also know that the number of Chinese tenants engaging with staff and services is currently quite low, so the project is a fantastic way to promote everything we can offer to our tenants.

“We hope it will be a stepping stone for our Chinese tenants to get involved in our activities in the wider community, from digital inclusion classes to the welfare rights and money advice we offer, as well chance for others to learn more about Chinese culture.”

@QueensCrossHA