Bringing community together
FRASER WILSON
A new project in Eaglesham is aiming to minimise social isolation in the area.
Started earlier this year, the Community Connections project – part of the Rural Wisdom movemet – is very much in its infancy and aims to work with local people, community groups and public services.
Through this, it is hoped more social connections will be created for people who want to engage, but may be housebound through health, and the older community.
And efforts to reduce social isolation in the area are being headed up by Liz Highet, who has started as the community worker for the project.
Liz has been working hard to meet and work with community groups and services providers to come up with ideas and opportunities to build an active community scene in Eaglesham and Waterfoot.
She recently had a stall at the Touch of Sweetness market in Eaglesham’s Montgomerie Hall, engaging with members of the public and advising them of upcoming events.
Those include a ‘chatty cafe’ at Ian’s Kitchen in the village. This will run every Wednesday from 10am 11.30am, starting this week.
It is hoped a chatty cafe will soon be held in the Wishing Well Café on Montgomerie Street too, although plans have yet to be finalised for this.
Liz is welcoming input from locals regarding the idea of a digital noticeboard for Eaglesham and Waterfoot, with a concurrent online platform that pulls information on groups and events happening in Eaglesham.
She says East Renfrewshire Council have been consulted on the matter and are looking into the associated costs and logistics of running this.
If you have any ideas that might be of interest to Liz, or wish to get involved, she can be contacted on 07843974967 or 0141 419 0451.
You can also see what’s happening on Facebook.com/OTB.Community. Connections