SURF recently completed an 18-month participative exploration of how the changed economic climate is affecting community regeneration in two case study neighbourhoods in Glasgow and Fife. We wanted to know:

  • How is the recession impacting upon disadvantaged communities in Scotland?
  • How are communities and partner agencies responding?
  • What opportunities for positive change are presented by the distinct Scottish policy context?

This collaborative programme was commissioned by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) with additional support from Scottish Government. The JRF has today published our final programme report, which features:

  • Seven key challenges for communities presented by the recession
  • Emerging ameliorative responses, including evidence of creative approaches and “liberating the front-line”
  • SURF’s view on how policy-makers can help build “steps towards the upward escalator” for future regeneration activity

You can download a copy of the report from the JRF website.

SURF is now undertaking a follow-up ‘Alliance for Action’ programme for 2013-15; please sign up for our e-bulletin to receive more information on this.