They say:

“Much research about homelessness is not explicitly gendered, but is inadvertently dominated by the experiences and views of homeless men.  Research focused specifically on homeless women is scarce and national statistics, surveys and datasets provide little by way of information about the female homeless population¹. “

and also :

“The gender duty will place clear responsibility on all public bodies to ensure that their policies, services and employment practices address the different needs of men and women.  As such, the gender duty should be factored into the Scottish Exectuive’s thinking on any amendments to Section 11 of the Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003. “

We have always argued for the impact of women’s ‘hidden homelessness’ to be taken into account and understood, and was one of the reason’s Fourwalls exists.

The EOC’s submission will hopefully highlight this issue and perhaps mean that the Homelessness (Scotland) Act takes a different approach to tackling women’s homelessness.

Fourwalls as a Registered Social Landlord is required to take referalls from the Homeless Unit (as was) but has always argued that many of the women who have approached Foruwalls in the past, and who have been housed, were also homeless but would never have presented themselves as such to the Homeless Unit.  We are happy to take referalls, but we would also like to have it recongised that we are housing homeless women – albeit outside of the formal structure: because homeless women do not report their homlessness in the same way as men, and therefore do not go through the formal structures in as great numbers.

the full EOC Response is at: http://www.eoc.org.uk/default.aspx?page=20224

[short rant from Kate H, and info about the consultation response cos i thought it was interesting int he light of the discussion about meeting targets etc]

Following the successful City Council pilot scheme that put recycling bins into the back courts of tenemental properties in the city’s West End, the scheme is to be extended across Glasgow. 

In order to increase the recycling rates in the city, 30,000 new blue 240 litre recycling bins will be placed in back courts serving around 100,000 households.  (Around 60% of Glasgow residents stay in flatted property.) ………….” read on at the gcc website

Management Committee meeting: 23rd January 6.30pm

Amalgamation and Finance Group: 23rd January 5.30pm

SERVICE PROVIDER(S) SOUGHT

Fourwalls is a unique women-only HA with 11 units, and a high level of tenant participation.  We seek to engage a person/s or organisation to provide part time administrative, housing management, and maintenance support as well as expertise in matters of governance and accountability. 

If you are able to offer some or all of the support required please apply by 5^th January 2007  to: Marie Campbell, Fourwalls Chairperson, Flat 0/2, 35 Carnarvon St, Glasgow G3 6HP.  For further information / job description contact Dianne Barry

Papers and Nomination Forms for the MC will be sent out in the next few days – this is your chance to get on the MC as a full MC member – fill in the forms and get them back by the date indicated. Any questions – just ask someone already on the MC.

The AGM is usually followed by mince pies and a wee dram …. anyone willing to organise the food and drink?

Many organisations working in housing do not realise that the Human Rights Act is directly relevant to their work.

Most organisations wish to promote and protect the rights of their service users as a matter of best practice.  Some will also have a legal requirement to comply with the Human Rights Act if their work is considered to be a public function.

Human Rights Scotland has trained a number of organisations working in housing, including Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, Cowan Housing Association, Positive Action in Housing, Glasgow Homelessness Partnership, Horizon Housing Association, Cernach Housing Association, Parkhead Housing Association and Hjaltland Housing Association

Some of the human rights issues relating to housing include:

•           Homeless assessments and duty to provide accommodation

•           Health care for homeless people

•           Health and welfare in residential settings (sheltered housing,

            supported accommodation, homeless hostel accommodation

•           Repossessions

•           Visiting rights to hostels and other residential settings

•           The right to children of travelling people to education

YOU NEED THIS TRAINING

•           If you feel that you would like more information about these types of issues in relation to the Human Rights Act, presented in a practical, understandable way.

•           If you would like to discuss any aspect of your work that you feel may have a human rights context in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

•           If you would like to know how knowledge and understanding of the Human Rights Act can help you better support your service users.

The training will take place at the Human Rights Scotland offices in Glasgow on 23 November 2006.  We will supply each participant with a pack of materials to support your learning and understanding of human rights, and will provide lunch on the day.

We guarantee that our training is interesting, relevant, and never dull or boring!

The cost is either £20 or £30 per participant depending on annual income of the organisation (call for further details).

THERE ARE LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE, and these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

 To book a place: please return this booking form with a cheque for £20.00/£30.00 (lunch included) payable to Human Rights Scotland at: 204-206 Baltic Chambers, 50 Wellington Street, Glasgow G2 6HJ tel: 0141 229 1140     fax: 0141 229 1150                  (ref: hs2)

email: contact@humanrightsscotland.org           

www.humanrightsscotland.org