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‘Be’ is a community wellbeing programme delivered by Gentoo Living that engages individuals in a journey of self-discovery, emotional resilience and learning curiosity. It introduces people to new ways of thinking around their life issues, including taking personal responsibility and ownership of their behaviour, awareness of self and others and to develop a personal vision or a positive life.

The ‘Be’ Programme is aligned with Gentoo’s Vision, Mission and Values, and in particular, Gentoo Living’s aim “to enable people to fulfil their aspirations”.

The redevelopment of Vineburgh is a 5 year, £33.3 million project to tackle the high level of deprivation and low demand in the Vineburgh area in Irvine – manifesting in significant void levels and accumulation of social issues.

On 27th June 2007 North Ayrshire Council formally adopted the Vineburgh Regeneration Masterplan, which details the vision for the new Vineburgh.

This plan included the demolition of 306 properties in Fleming Terrace, Meadow Avenue, Old Caley Road, Queen Road and parts of Vineburgh Avenue and Wallace Road and replacing them with a mixture of social rented housing and private ownership. CHA was appointed Lead Developer for this project and appointed MAST Architects to design the new houses. Local construction company Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd was contracted to build the houses.

CleanStart is a ‘social enterprise business’ created within Trafford Housing Trust (THT), that operates as a distinct trading business within THT. CleanStart was set up in August 2008 with the remit to clear and clean empty properties within THT’s housing stock in preparation for relet, repair or disposal.

CleanStart employs Prolific and other Priority Offenders (PPOs), to carry out the work. These ex-offenders receive:

• training and, in some instances, obtain qualifications during their time in the program; intensive offender management- managers carry out supervision, ensuring the exoffenders are not engaging in activities or lifestyle choices that could lead to recidivism, and on-going advice and support- to help the ex-offenders with any problems they may be experiencing.

Since start-up 47 ex-offenders have been employed on the fixed term work programme, of which 22 secured permanent employment from the programme. CleanStart has expanded its operation in terms of reach and service provision, clearing and cleaning properties, waste removal, home removals, environmental services and gardening services.