Glasgow men celebrated as Neighbourhood Champions

We're delighted to recognise two Glasgow men for their commitment to improving their local environment.

James Wilson and Hugh McPharlin have both received Neighbourhood Champion Awards from ourselves and Wheatley Group in recognition for efforts ranging from enhancing and promoting community participation, improving local environmental quality and sustainable living practices or restoring biodiversity.

The two men are both Wheatley Homes Glasgow residents in Glasgow’s North East.

James, or Jimmy, has lived at Torryburn Place in the Barmulloch area of Glasgow for six years and has always been involved with other residents in trying to make a difference in their community. He has done this by planting flowers which have gone a long way to brightening up the area, as well as transforming the front and rear communal gardens at the complex, trimming back bushes and painting benches and furniture.

The work that Jimmy has done at the complex is really appreciated by the residents and has provided a sense of pride for many of the residents and their visitors.

Hugh is a resident at the Marfield complex and was nominated for his efforts to grow plants and vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, in his planters. He shares the produce with other residents. His plants have brightened up the grounds of the complex and encouraged other residents to use the gardens to sit in the sun during the summer months.

He is also involved in community activities such as bingo nights and regularly collects groceries and newspapers for other tenants who cannot get to a shop.

Jamie Ormiston, our Training and Accreditation Coordinator, said: “It’s fantastic to see Jimmy and Hugh recognised for their efforts to improve their local area for both themselves and other Wheatley tenants

“The Neighbourhood Champion Awards were created to celebrate those going above and beyond to improve local environmental quality, community wellbeing and participation and biodiversity.

“Their efforts are greatly appreciated, by us and Wheatley and, I’m sure, by those in the community.”

Alan Glasgow, Director of Housing at Wheatley Group, said: “We’re delighted the fantastic efforts of our tenants have been recognised at Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Neighbourhood Champion awards. Both are hugely deserving of this recognition for their efforts in the community.

“We work side by side every day with tenants to make our homes and neighbourhoods great places to live and areas where people are proud to call home.

“The work of Jimmy, Hugh and our staff has made such a positive impact in their communities, and they should all be very proud of everything they’ve achieved.”

We work with Wheatley Group through a bespoke version of our National Award for Environmental Excellence®  – a framework for continual improvement, recognising and awarding best practice in environmental management, maintenance, waste management and community engagement.

The National Award for Environmental Excellence® supports businesses and organisations to improve environmental practices through a process of assessing policies and strategies, as well as on site audits, helping you to understand your impact on our environment and respond to the risks, opportunities and responsibilities ahead.