Communities help in battling deprivation
Political Correspondent THE strength of communities across Glasgow, with people coming together to tackle local issues and shared concerns, is being highlighted as part of Challenge Poverty Week.
A range of events is being held across the city to encourage people to take part in community activities and join together to identify and take action on the problems people have in common.
In Priesthill, a community breakfast event takes place every week where people get together and have meet one another and help people get support if needed.
Marie Trubic, from Priesthill Community Hall, said the community events show how much people care about one another.
She said: “Vibrant community get-togethers like the breakfast and the fun day, which will take place on Saturday, are brilliant to see.
“Members of the community are integral in making them happen and it shows how strongly people here care that they are so actively involved.”
Priesthill resident Elaine McLean said: “Social events like the weekly breakfast are really important to the community here in Priesthill and Househillwood.
“It gives us a chance to connect to our neighbours and friends and provide whatever support they might need, even if that’s just a chat.”
Events are being held across the city, including in Possilpark where a community festival, hosted by NG Homes, will combine arts, crafts, food workshops and information stands.
An information day is being held in Cranhill with information and discussions in poverty related issues with staff from Poverty Alliance, Citizens Advice Bureau and Home Energy Scotland offering information.
In Drumchapel, the Drumhub has a programme to ease loneliness with knotting, singing and arts and crafts sessions.
Peter Kelly, director of Pov- erty Alliance, said poorer communities can suffer as a result of reputations which often overshadow the good work being done. He said: “Glasgow’s communities are full of incredible people, doing amazing things to make them better places to live.
“Too often communities are judged by their reputation, and as a result their strengths and resilience are overlooked.”
He said politicians and government should pay closer attention to people living and working together to make their own communities better.
He added: “The work in Priesthill highlights the good that can happen when communities are given the opportunity to come together.
“All communities have assets and it is important that they are enabled to make the most of these assets, and that those in power are willing to listen and support them. When community members take the lead, great things can happen.”