Wider Role

Wider Role Fund

The Wider Role fund was launched in 2000 by Communities Scotland to encourage Housing Associations to develop projects to help make life better for people in their communities.

Through Wider Role activities, Housing Associations can develop their regeneration activity to improve the economic, social and environmental circumstances of the local communities within which they operate. The fund can be used for a very wide range of projects dealing with issues such as improving health, helping people get training or jobs, improving community safety, helping people with their finances and increasing people's skills and confidence.

Langstane has long recognised the link between housing need and other forms of Social Exclusion and has been an active participant in developing Wider Role initiatives.  We work in partnership with a wide range of voluntary groups and other agencies to address these issues.

Our contribution towards wider community regeneration continued in 2005-2006 and was typified by extensive partnership working, with our colleagues from Communities Scotland, local RSL’s and many other agencies. The activities that we were involved in covered several strands of the Scottish Executive’s “Closing the Opportunity Gap” objectives, with considerable focus on building the capacity and resources of local communities, to work towards building a better Scotland.

Some examples of Langstane Wider Role projects are as follows: -

41 ½ Union Street, Aberdeen - a contribution was made towards the acquisition and refurbishment of this property to develop a Voluntary Sector Resource Centre on the first floor.  This is let out to the Citizens Advice Bureau, Aberdeen International Centre and Cornerstone Community Care at a subsidised rent.

Kemnay Youth Café - a contribution was made towards the refurbishment of the Kemnay Youth Café.  Wider Role funding is also being used to fund staff working with the young people using the Youth Café. We are currently working with Youth Café staff and young people to explore the possibility of extending the facility which has proved a great success.

Seaton Taking Action for Regeneration (S.T.A.R.) and the Seaton Community Project - we worked with S.T.A.R. to apply for funding from the Aberdeen City Community Regeneration Fund. This successful application has enabled us to employ an Administrator for the local community flat in Seaton.

The S.T.A.R. Community Flat provides accommodation for local groups and visiting agencies, that provide a variety of advice and information services. We are pleased to be able to support this local group, based in the community where we have our headquarters.

Instant Neighbour Furniture project - through joint working with other RSL’s, we have set up a scheme with the Instant Neighbour charity, to provide furniture packs for tenants, throughout the North East, who require such a service.  It is hoped that this will enable some tenants to more easily assume and sustain tenancies, while also making a contribution towards recycling furniture.

Kirk Street, Peterhead - plans to convert two existing shops that we own in Kirk Street, Peterhead, have been the focus of several months’ discussions, with Aberdeenshire Council and voluntary sector partners.  This year we should complete the development of the two properties into a multi-purpose community facility that is likely to include access to information and advice on a broad range of services and training and learning opportunities.  A Langstane Housing officer will be based at the building.  The services provided will make a key contribution towards Aberdeenshire Council meeting the objectives of their Community Regeneration Outcome agreement for the area.

For further information from Langstane please contact

Matthew Reid
New Initiatives Manager
matthew.reid@langstane-ha.co.uk