Community going for gold after cash boost
A whole new world of social and recreational interaction has opened up for the residents of Gowkthrapple, thanks to a £ 10,000 funding boost from Awards for All.
The cash has enabled the Gowkthrapple Organisation for Leisure and Development (GOLD) Group to roll out a new programme of activities for the 1300 residents who live there.
Craig Allan, senior volunteering assistant at Gowkthrapple’s CentrePoint community hub, which is operated by Garrion People’s Housing Cooperative, said the new opportunities the funding brings will have a positive impact and make a real difference.
“There has been a lack of provision in the area. By having this money to put into the area, it means the activities will be sustainable and will be in place for a minimum of a year,” explained Craig, who said the activities – most of which are free – will further his aim of creating a safe and relaxing space within CentrePoint.
“Rather than walking about the streets, young people can channel their energy into something positive.
“The activities will also provide learning opportunities for adults, giving them a chance to express themselves creatively away from the stresses of everyday life.”
GOLD group chairperson, Stella Mason, is among the Gowkthrapple residents who attend the arts and crafts club, which meets on a Wednesday at Centrepoint in Smith Avenue from 6pm to 8pm.
“At the club, you can get away from distractions and enjoy some relaxation time away from the kids. I bring in my materials, such as my scrapbooks, from home and I like to come to the club to pick up ideas from other people,” explained Stella.
As well as the arts and crafts club, other activities run by the GOLD Group now include English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes on a Monday from 9.30am to 11.30am, a Monday family fitness club from 6pm to 7pm, a parents and toddler group from 10am to noon on a Friday and a Friday youth group from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.
On a Wednesday, there’s a dance club for five to eight-year-olds from 6pm to 7pm and another for nine to 11-year-olds from 7pm to 8pm.
The Awards for All funding will also allow CentrePoint to introduce tea dances and under 18s’ club nights.
Other organisations running services from CentrePoint include the Credit Union, the Women’s Cancer Support Group, Go Kids Drama and the Citizens Advice Bureau (tenants only).
IT classes are held every Thursday from 10am to noon.
Craig says a funding application has also been submitted to reintroduce cafe facilities.
Thirteen committee members of the GOLD Group, which is supported by Garrion People’s Housing Cooperative, are appealing for more Gowkthrapple residents to join as volunteers.
For further information about what’s on at CentrePoint or how to become a volunteer, call 01698 274670 or visit their Facebook page.