24/09/2026
Meet Our New Advice and Communities Team
Posted on 17th Sep 2026
Strengthening Support in Our Communities
Paisley Housing Association is delighted to introduce its newly expanded Advice and Communities Team, following the successful award of two significant funding grants that will allow the Association to enhance and extend the support available to tenants and communities across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire. This investment will help provide enhanced support for tenants and communities across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire.
The Association has secured:
£480,000 from the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme
£150,000 from the Scottish Government's Advice in Accessible Settings Fund, managed by Advice UK
These awards will ensure the continuation and expansion of Paisley Housing Association's holistic advice service, which supports tenants with welfare benefits, energy advice and tenancy sustainment. The additional funding will also enable the introduction of a dedicated debt advice service over the coming year.
The funding will also support the launch of our new Energywise Project, which will provide specialist energy advice services to tenants of not only Paisley HA but also, Barrhead Housing Association, Linstone Housing Association, Bridgewater Housing Association and Williamsburgh Housing Association, helping more households reduce energy costs, improve energy efficiency and access the support available to them.
Investing in People and Communities
Chief Executive Fiona McTaggart welcomed the expansion of the service and the opportunities it will create for tenants.
"We are incredibly proud to have secured these substantial funding awards, which recognise the quality and impact of the advice services we have developed over many years. At a time when many households continue to face financial pressures, it is more important than ever that we provide accessible, high-quality support that helps people maximise their income, manage rising costs and sustain their tenancies.
"The expansion of our Advice and Communities Team will allow us to support more people than ever before, while strengthening partnerships across the housing sector and delivering real benefits for communities throughout Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire."
Chair Karen McMillan said the investment demonstrates the Association's commitment to supporting tenants beyond bricks and mortar.
"As a community-based housing association, our purpose extends far beyond providing homes. We are committed to helping our tenants and communities thrive, and these funding awards will enable us to continue delivering the practical support that makes a genuine difference to people's lives.
I would like to congratulate the team on their success in securing this funding and thank them for their continued dedication to our tenants and partners. The impact of their work is clear to see, and this expansion represents an exciting step forward for the Association."
Meet the Team
Annie McLaughlin – Tenancy Support Officer
Annie McLaughlin has spent the past five years supporting some of Paisley Housing Association's most vulnerable tenants. Holding a Master's degree in Housing Studies, Annie combines professional expertise with a compassionate and practical approach.
She works closely with tenants to help them access services and support that enable them to sustain and thrive in their homes.
George Macphail – Money Advice Coordinator
Many tenants will already be familiar with George Macphail, who has worked with Paisley Housing Association for six years.
Recently appointed as Money Advice Coordinator, George will lead the Benefits and Money Advice service. Building on his extensive experience supporting tenants with welfare benefits, he will also supervise the Money Adviser role and help shape the future development of the service.
Tommy Gallacher – Money Adviser
Tommy Gallacher joins the team with extensive experience in both benefits and debt advice.
Having previously worked as a debt adviser in the private sector and most recently as a Benefits and Debt Adviser within a family-focused charity, Tommy is a fully qualified debt adviser. He will play a central role in developing and delivering Paisley Housing Association's new debt advice service.
Susan McKenna – Home Energy Advice Coordinator
Susan McKenna has been appointed as Home Energy Advice Coordinator and will lead the new Energywise Project.
Over the past two years, Susan has become well known among tenants for her determination, knowledge and success in resolving complex energy issues. In her new role, she will coordinate energy advice services across Paisley Housing Association and its four partner housing associations while supervising two Home Energy Advisers.
Anne Storrie – Home Energy Adviser
Many tenants will recognise Anne Storrie from her work as a Benefits Adviser over the last three years.
Anne has now joined the Energywise Project as a Home Energy Adviser. Holding a City & Guilds Energy Awareness qualification, she is passionate about helping tenants better understand their energy usage, reduce costs and make informed decisions about household energy consumption.
Kevin Bonaccorsi – Home Energy Adviser
Kevin Bonaccorsi recently joined Paisley Housing Association as a Home Energy Adviser, bringing significant experience from the energy advice sector.
Kevin previously spent 14 years delivering similar services within another Housing Association and also holds a City & Guilds Energy Awareness qualification. His expertise will be invaluable in helping tenants navigate energy challenges and access available support.
Danielle Thomson – Community Connector
Completing the team is Danielle Thomson, Paisley Housing Association's new Community Connector.
Many tenants may already know Danielle from her previous role as a Customer Services Officer. She will focus on developing a vibrant programme of events, activities and partnerships that bring communities together and create new opportunities for tenants.
Looking Ahead
The expansion of Paisley Housing Association's Advice and Communities Team marks an exciting new chapter for the organisation and the communities it serves.
Through enhanced advice services, the introduction of specialist debt support, the launch of the Energywise Project and a renewed focus on community engagement, the Association is strengthening its commitment to helping tenants maximise their income, manage household costs, sustain their tenancies and improve their overall wellbeing.
Working alongside tenants, partner organisations and local communities, Paisley Housing Association looks forward to building on its success and continuing to make a positive difference across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire.
