The North East Glasgow Community Network have arranged a follow-up event to their very successful event last October “Have No Fear – Volunteer!”.

The event was a great success with over 80 people attending, hearing some really inspiring stories about people’s experiences of volunteer work and getting some info from the numerous organisations who provided information stalls and helpful staff on the day.

The feedback received showed that, overwhelmingly, people wanted more information about volunteering but, in particular, they wanted the chance to sign up as a volunteer there and then and get cracking.  This event is designed to make that happen.

HAVE NO FEAR – VOLUNTEER! 2

The Follow Up

10:30am to 2pm

Wednesday May 2^nd

Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre

13 Whitevale Street

Dennistoun

People attending this drop-in event will be able to get information about a wide variety of organisations, all of whom are seeking volunteers at present or in the near future. If you like what they hear, you could be able to sign up there and then. The event is free and refreshments will be provided.  Drop in any time between 10:30am and 2pm.  We look forward to seeing you there!

North East Glasgow Community Network flyer _4_

Please note PMA have moved office! We are no longer at Buchanan Street, Baillieston. You can find us at:

Eastbank Conference & Training Centre,
22 Academy Street,
Glasgow,
G32 9AA

We have taken our time but we have finally embraced new fangled social media and now have our very own facebook group; sharing photos, events, updates, poetry and stories. We invite you to join us and become a member – the more the merrier.

The invaluable support of the concierge service at Sandyhills high flats proved to be one of the most positive elements of living in the area, according to a survey with local residents.

Sandyhills Concierge

The consultation was developed in 2009 to find out how residents feel about living in the area and raise any issues that may impact on community mental health and well-being.  84 people took part including men and women, students, retired citizens, young professionals, asylum seekers and refugees.

The consultation was carried out by PMA, Sandyhills High Flats Resident’s Association, East Glasgow CHCP Health Improvement Team and East Glasgow Community Planning Partnership.

The majority of participants described Sandyhills as a fairly positive place to live, with the concierge team having a hugely valuable impact on this community.

One resident commented on the concierge service:

“The concierge are great, you can go and speak to them. They’ll help you in any way they can.”

Concierge Manager Charlie McKay says:

“Over the last three years this community has discovered the community spirit again. The Community & Learning Centre provides activities all year round and the work of the Concierge staff has gone a long way in helping to bring people from all nationalities together as one community.”

Neil Quinn from Positive Mental Attitudes, East Glasgow CHCP adds,

“There is a clear link between deprivation and mental health and well-being. We can promote better well-being in local communities through reducing isolation, improving the environment and promoting better access to help and support. As such, regeneration and housing agencies have as important a role as support services in ensuring we have mentally healthy communities.”

Since the consultation a number of initiatives to improve safety, reduce isolation and promote community cohesion are under way including additional outdoor lighting, year-round free and low-cost community events and providing better information so that people have access to the right support.

The full report of the survey and findings is available upon request.