We recognise that this past year has been hard for many, so with this in mind, we’d like to promote some other incredible initiatives working to create stronger, cleaner, and more sustainable communities. Each month we will be promoting a location that is home to one of our repair cafés, celebrating the many other inspirational, forward thinking organisations that strive to make the world, a better place.
This month we are showcasing Glasgow, the Scottish city currently under a global spotlight as the host of COP26. With an extraordinarily varied history, this city has risen out of its deep industrial past and transformed into a cultural treasure-trove of architecture, art and history. More recently however, the people of Glasgow have been embracing the challenges set by the climate emergency, working hard to return to the green roots that once inspired the city’s Brythonic Celtic name, ‘Cleschi’, and it’s meaning, ‘Dear Green Place’.
GalGael
The GalGael Trust originally developed out of an environmental campaign launched by their founder, Colin Macleod, and members of the local community residing in one of the most deprived areas of Glasgow. Established as a working community in the 1990’s, the organisation state that the original campaign was unsuccessful, but that their success grew out of their subsequent determination to construct an inclusive community within a difficult space. Naming themselves after the Norse community of the 9th Century that once settled in parts of Celtic Scotland and became an integral part of the local society, the ‘GalGael’ name recognises and embraces a culturally inclusive ideology of belonging. The GalGael community’s association with the Birlinn or Hebridean galley boat inspired the emblem of the GalGael Trust, and it is this aspect of 9th Century Norse life that has continued to inspire their project. Realising that the building of these wooden boats could help them to achieve their social, cultural and ecological ambitions, the GalGael Trust have involved local people in the creation of these boats, giving training and passing on skills, whilst offering a welcoming and inclusive environment and a greener, cleaner way to travel on their incredible voyages around the beautiful west coast of Scotland. With such an amazing history, and so many incredible benefits to their wonderful work, there is just too much to write about here! So….
To find out more about GalGael and how you can get involved or support their work, you can visit their website here.
The Children’s Wood and North Kelvin Meadow
The Children’s Wood is situated on North Kelvin Meadow, and along with the meadow itself, is the last remaining wild space in the west-end of Glasgow. Recognising the importance of open, green spaces for their local community, this organisation has created a natural sanctuary for people to spend their time in. The general well-being and physical and mental health of local residents are being boosted by simply being provided with somewhere to get outside and get together in a natural environment, to walk their dogs, have a picnic, do some gardening, or bring their children to play in nature. Regular events are hosted by the community at The Children’s Wood and an outdoor playgroup is held every Wednesday and Friday, whilst the community garden is open to volunteers of all ages, promoting a real intergenerational culture. Applying for the transfer of this wonderful green land to become a community asset in 2019, the organisation has been granted a 25-year lease by the council, so it will remain in the very capable hands of the local community and the volunteers and staff that maintain the space so brilliantly for the future generations of Glasgow.
To find out more about The Children’s Wood and North Kelvin Meadow, and how you can get involved, you can visit their website here.
Rags to Riches
Rags to Riches is an award-winning project facilitated by Govanhill Baths, an incredible grassroots activist-based organisation in itself, delivering a wealth of innovative and exciting schemes, all centred around tackling the issues of environmental sustainability, community engagement and education within and around Glasgow. Fully embracing the reuse, repair, recycle philosophy, Rags to Riches describe themselves as an upcycling social enterprise, taking waste and turning it into desirable products to sell in their online shop. Alongside this initiative, the project also provides workshops and training sessions to the local community, whilst delivering community outreach programmes and offering workshop or bench rentals, where you can hire a fixing or upcycling space of your very own. In addition to these fantastic services, this project hosts various events throughout the year, including monthly markets, regular exhibitions and engaging talks. Encouraging their local community to become inspired by these interactive and interesting activities and services, this project is making huge strides towards sustainable positive change in their area.
To find out more about the Rags to Riches or Govanhill Baths and their other projects, you can visit their website here.
Reconnect Glasgow
Reconnect Glasgow could be described as a second-hand shop, yet it is so much more than that. Aiming to support local residents and encourage a culture of reuse in the area, they work together with other social enterprises in a bid to save pre-loved furniture from landfill by upcycling or fixing donated items, and selling them on through their store at low prices. Working alongside registered social landlords and housing associations, Reconnect Glasgow are able to negotiate and provide the lowest prices for people in need of further discounts in order to furnish their homes. Whilst tackling these environmental and social issues in the design of their business model, Reconnect Glasgow also offer training, and volunteering opportunities to their local community, creating an inclusive environment for those looking to take steps towards future employment, building skills and confidence in the individuals taking part. Established by Connect Community Trust in 2003, Reconnect Glasgow responded to a need for regeneration in their area, an area designated at that time as number one in the Scottish Index for multiple deprivation. Still providing their services in the area over 15 years later, this initiative is clearly thriving and making positive impact on both the environment and their local community. To find out more about Reconnect Glasgow you can visit their website here.
