Celebrating the festive season

We have been working hard to create a safe and joyful festive season for tenants and the community this year.

Tenants aged 70+ were offered a winter check, which was carried out by Almond Enterprises Ltd. This check included identifying the water supply stop valve, checking the property for security, reporting any outstanding repairs and checking for any trip hazards on access paths. During the visit, tenants received a winter gift bag which included a puzzle book, pen, tea bags, hot chocolate and shortbread. The gift bags were purchased from local Social Enterprise, Spark Creations, contributing to Community Wealth Building. A total of 250 bags were created for distribution between September and December.

As well as winter checks, we accessed some funding which enabled tenants to benefit from additional energy support. Those who qualified received a benefits check and income maximisation advice from The Bridge, energy advice from Changeworks, and up to £150 worth of assistance with their fuel costs this Winter. One tenant who benefited from this support commented:

“I found the advice received by The Bridge to be very helpful. They put my mind at ease, told me about benefits that I can apply for, including Council Tax rebate and advice on finances when my husband retires. Changeworks were also excellent as they arranged for me to get a heated throw and heated clothes drier. Due to my health problems, I need my heating on especially now with this cold weather. Once my benefits are sorted, we will be in a far better position. It’s been amazing and thank you Almond Housing!”

As well as ensuring tenants felt safe and secure in their homes, we supported the Growing Together project to hold an event in Craigshill Community Garden. We worked with Spark and West Lothian Youth Action Project to create Santa’s Secret Garden which was open to everyone in the community. This was a free event and included hot food, an elf trail and the opportunity to visit Santa in his Grotto. Almond’s Big Living Room was open for arts and crafts, and the community were invited in to create their own Christmas tree baubles, write a letter to Santa and decorate biscuits. Almost 180 local people celebrated together and our contractor, Response Building Maintenance Services (Scotland) Ltd, provided selection boxes for the children.

We also partnered with local group, Daisy Drop-In, to hold two Christmas parties. The children had the opportunity to meet Santa and our contractor, Sidey, kindly provided gifts for the events.

The BeeKind campaign continues to flourish, after launching in September 2025. Through this campaign, a hot water urn was donated to Kids Love Clothes in Whitburn. This gave the group an opportunity to provide hot chocolate at Whitburn Community Centre’s Christmas Cracker and Santa Parade.

Winter warmer items were donated to West Lothian Women’s Aid and support was given to West Lothian Foodbank by our contractors Sidey, Response Building Maintenance Services (Scotland) Ltd and Bell. We also provided a donation to West Lothian School Bank to purchase winter wear for children referred to the service.

Supporting tenants and the community is fundamental to our organisation and the help provided this Christmas reflects one of the core values of the organisation, Kindness. This time of the year can be difficult for many, and tenants are encouraged to speak to their Housing Officer if they need any support.