Campaign returns for landmark 10th year to celebrate city's best community projects

And if one person on every street does their bit, the whole city can change for the better.

Since we launched the Glasgow Times Streets Ahead campaign in 2011 we have supported grass roots projects and kick-started new ones.

We have given out tens of thousands of pounds in grants, brought neighbours, friends, businesses and community organisations closer together and helped people reclaim a sense of pride in their own little corner of the city.

From initial steps to brighten up gardens and green spaces, we have extended our remit to support a diverse range of environmental and community-focussed initiatives.

Streets Ahead: Pollokshaws Community Hub. Pic: Mark Gibson

Our campaign has encouraged everyone to ‘do their bit’ for Glasgow – from schoolchildren and pensioners to business owners and charities, we have helped break down barriers and reduce isolation.

Now we’re back, with our fantastic partners Glasgow City Council, City Charitable Trust and City Building on board once more.

But we need you to get involved.

Are you ready to build a better Glasgow?

Get in touch to tell us what you are doing to improve your community. It could be a school project, a business plan or a charity initiative.

Streets Ahead: Givin' it Laldie

In June, we plan to hold our annual awards ceremony, celebrating the best projects and most inspiring individuals across the city.

Don’t miss Thursday’s Glasgow Times to find out how you can nominate an individual or a group for one of our great categories.

Streets Ahead grants are available to help you turn ideas into reality - email ann.fotheringham@glasgowtimes.co.uk for more information and to get a copy of the application form.

As we return for our 10th year, in the middle of a climate change crisis, improving the environment is on everyone’s mind.

Streets Ahead: Pacitti Garden. Pic: Colin Mearns

Glasgow’s status as host to the United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP26, in November has encouraged many groups and individuals to focus their energies on thinking ‘green’ – what can we do to ensure a safer, zero-carbon, healthier future for all?

How is your community stepping up to the challenge? This year, Streets Ahead will run all the way through until the conference so there is plenty of time to get involved.

We want to celebrate all the great projects and individuals out there doing great work to improve the city for the benefit of all.

Streets ahead: Garrowhill primary school Photograph by Colin Mearns

Schools have been at the heart of Streets Ahead since we started and we hope more nurseries, primaries, secondaries and ASN schools across the city will help us celebrate our 10th year.

Tell us what you and your classmates are doing to improve your community.

Get in touch by emailing ann.fotheringham@glasgowtimes.co.uk

Glasgow Times Editor Callum Baird said: “There are hundreds of people and groups out there working hard to make a positive change in their communities.

“With the help of our generous partners, we want to share their stories, help them get the support and resources they need, and celebrate the great work being done in every corner of the city.”

READ MORE: Streets Ahead returns to celebrate best community projects

George Gillespie, Glasgow City Council’s Executive Director of Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability, said: “We are delighted to be a partner in Streets Ahead for a tenth year.

“There is much enthusiasm and motivation for improving our environment and through the Streets Ahead initiative there is an opportunity for people of all ages and from different parts of the community to work together to improve their surroundings and take pride in their city.

“The pandemic has ignited a renewed community spirit and by working together we can all make a difference.”

Streets Ahead: Connecting Generations Project. Photo by Jamie Simpson

Lord Willie Haughey of the City Charitable Trust said: “We are delighted to have backed the Streets Ahead campaign over the past 10 years and to have supported so many individuals and organisations who are making such a positive contribution in communities across Glasgow.

“The City Charitable Trust has welcomed the opportunity to assist the people who are the very lifeblood of our city and we look forward to continuing to assist their efforts over the coming months.

“People Make Glasgow, and the Streets Ahead campaign, as it celebrates its 10-year milestone, offers the Trust an opportunity to continue to support ordinary Glaswegians who are striving to make our great city and their communities even better places in which to live, work and play.”

Alan Burns, Executive Director of City Building said: “The team at City Building work hard to support their local communities and are always happy to help those who need it.

“Through the Glasgow Streets Ahead campaign, we are lucky to hear incredible stories about people doing amazing things to help their wider area.

“We are delighted to support the campaign once more, as it marks its milestone 10th anniversary, and are really looking forward to seeing more people get involved.”

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

To apply for Streets Ahead funding, or to highlight the work of a local group or inspiring individual working hard to improve the city for all, get in touch with us by emailing ann.fotheringham@glasgowtimes.co.uk

Don’t miss Thursday’s Glasgow Times for news of our fantastic annual Streets Ahead awards.