STREETS Ahead is a success thanks to the support of our campaign partners – Scottish Fire and Rescue, City Charitable Trust, Glasgow City Council and City Building.

Working hard in the background to help existing projects and kick-start new ones, these generous organisations play a key role in our awardwinning initiative.

SCOTTISH FIRE AND RESCUE

THIS YEAR’S massive Sauchiehall Street blaze put the men and women of Glasgow’s fire crews full in the glare of the media spotlight.

But away from the high-profile drama, Scottish Fire and Rescue is right at the heart of the communities it serves.

One of our original campaign partners, the service drives a vast range of citywide projects and initiatives designed to support residents and the neighbourhoods in which they live and work.

They have pioneered an innovative work experience programme designed to give young people valuable employability skills; joined with fellow Streets Ahead partner City Building to refurbish a training area as part of dementia project; and teamed up with the British Heart Foundation to deliver CPR training in schools.

One firefighter, Scottish Fire and Rescue Crew Manager Alastair Lamb, was recently recognised in the Evening Times Glasgow Community Champions Awards, for going above and beyond his day job to deliver CPR training to groups and individuals in Govan – in his own time.

Despite a promotion to the north of the city, Alastair’s commitment is such that he still returns to build upon the initiative he started.

Thanks to his dedication, around 100 people have been given this lifesaving training.

Firefighters also give up their own time to support charities and causes close to their hearts.

Recently, a squad of 35 firefighter trainees completed the equivalent of the West Highland Way by walking around the Hampden Park football pitch – in full firefighting kit.

The team completed their 96 mile journey each wearing safety gear weighing 25kg – about the same weight as a four-year-old child.

The enormous trek was part of a fundraising effort which has so far raised more than £700 for three charities – The Fire Fighters Charity, Anthony Nolan and The Family Support Trust.

Lorna Yuill is a Trainee Course Director and Group Manager for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

The delighted senior officer said: “Walking 96 miles in full firefighting equipment is not an easy task.

“Our recruits showed some extremely strong physical and mental fitness to complete the walk as well as showing a massive team spirit to support each other throughout the journey.

“We’re grateful to members of the public who have contributed to this effort which will assist our charity partners and help them assist our communities.”

Group manager Stuart McQueen, one of the judges on this year’s awards panel, said he was impressed by the “old-fashioned community spirit” at work throughout Streets Ahead.

“It is incredible to see the number of groups and individuals who give up their time to improve things for everyone else,” he explains.

“This is not something they have to do, it’s not their job, or a role they get paid for – they simply do it to help others, and that is very commendable.”

CITY CHARITABLE TRUST

Lord Willie Haughey and the City Charitable Trust have been proud backers of Streets Ahead since day one of our campaign.

The Glasgow businessman has visited a number of projects over the years, and this year, he took a stroll back in time with Friends of the Southern Necropolis (formerly Southern Necropolis Action Group).

It was a particularly appropriate visit – Lord Haughey’s business base is in the Gorbals; he grew up and went to school there; and one of the cemetery’s most famous residents was a hero of his.

“I really admire Sir Thomas Lipton,” Lord Haughey told the group. “The tea merchant was a marketing genius and one of the first businessmen to create a truly world brand - but also a man who gave so much back to local people.”

He added: “I’ve read a bit about him and he always struck me as someone very honest and fair, who just wanted to give something back.”

Friends of the Southern Necropolis received a £2000 grant from Streets Ahead in 2014, helping its dedicated volunteers to get the improvement works at this neglected city institution underway. The money was spent on bird boxes, bird feeders, tools, enhancement materials for the cemetery, and new shelving for the gatehouse, for which the group has also recently funded lighting too.

The project sums up what Streets Ahead was all about in its early days – the idea that by taking a derelict or abandoned piece of land, you could create something much more useful and inspiring, for the benefit of all.

The campaign’s remit has extended beyond land regeneration and now encompasses a vast range of community projects, which the City Charitable Trust has been proud to support.

The Trust has donated millions of pounds to various charities, organisations and individuals since it was founded by Lord Haughey and his wife Lady Susan. Most of the recipients have been local.

“I’m a great believer in 10 per cent global, 90 per cent parochial,” says Lord Haughey. “It’s why Streets Ahead is a fantastic campaign. It is local people leading the improvements in their area, taking ownership of the projects and restoring a sense of community and civic pride.”