 Sighthill in Glasgow is one of the GoWell project areas |
Two out of three households in deprived areas of Glasgow are partly or wholly dependent on benefits or pensions for their income, a study has found. The GoWell project in 14 communities also found residents view anti-social behaviour as "common and serious".
Few people felt able to influence decisions in their communities.
These were the first findings of a 10-year study launched in 2006, into the impact of a �1bn investment in communities on health and well being.
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GoWell is said to be the first study of its kind in Europe.
About 6,000 interviews have been carried out in the 14 GoWell areas since the project launch.
Deputy Communities Minister Des McNulty said: "GoWell will allow us to see what works and what doesn't."
Key findings were split into six areas: households, housing, neighbourhoods, communities, empowerment and health.
The study said:
- GoWell areas were found to mainly consist of families, particularly single parent and large families
- About one-fifth of households had occasional or frequent difficulty paying bills or meeting costs
- Despite a variety of housing conditions, most people thought their home was "fine as it is"
- Rubbish collection and public transport received positive ratings, youth and leisure services received the worst
- In regeneration areas, more than a third of people lacked a source of financial and emotional support
- Across all areas, few people felt able to influence decisions that affect their local area.
Dr Carol Tannahill is director of the Glasgow Centre for Population Health which is managing the study.
She said: "GoWell communities currently have some of the worst health in Europe.
"We have a collective responsibility to ensure that the regeneration processes being implemented now and in the future help to make Glasgow a healthier city.
"The challenge is not only about improving neighbourhood environments, it is also about securing sustainable and cohesive communities.
"Past regeneration has not successfully achieved that and that is why the GoWell study is so important."
Results will be reported every two years.
Areas taking part include Castlemilk, the Gorbals, Govan, Red Road, Scotstoun, Sighthill, Townhead and Riddrie.
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