Barrhead charity hailed at House of Commons
A BARRHEAD charity has been praised at Westminster for its efforts to break down barriers and promote inclusion.
East Renfrewshire MP Kirsten Oswald tabled an Early Day Motion at the House of Commons to mark the continued success of the Include Me 2 Club (IM2C).
Early Day Motions (EDMs) are used to draw attention to a particular issue, event or campaign, with Ms Oswald keen to see the IM2C team being recognised for their hard work.
The non-profit organisation is committed to creating inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities, additional support needs and mental health conditions across East Renfrewshire.
It reaches 1,200 members through a range of programmes and activities.
The club also runs several social enterprises, including a coffee shop.
Last year, it obtained a 30-year lease on the Gate Lodge at Cowan Park and has since carried out an extensive refurbishment of the historic building, which now hosts a café, meeting spaces and a cycling hub which offers bike hire.
Ms Oswald tabled an EDM to celebrate the club’s nomination for the Team of the Year prize at the National Youth Work Awards, which will be held on Wednesday, June 12.
The SNP politician also presented a copy of the EDM to IM2C representative Sophia Asif.
Ms Oswald told the Barrhead News: “Include Me 2 Club does fantastic work locally in East Renfrewshire and further afield, creating inclusive environments, breaking down barriers and enabling everyone to fully participate in their local communities.
“The club has a range of activities and programmes for children and adults and, last year, they opened a new facility at Cowan Park offering a variety of services such as a café and a bike hire hub.
“I wish all the members, volunteers and staff at the fantastic Include Me 2 Club the best of luck ahead of the National Youth Work Awards.”