Pulling together: celebrating the Commonwealth Games
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Pulling together: celebrating the
Commonwealth Games
No one could fail to notice the giant us. Even the weather played its part. It
party that was the Commonwealth was simply a magnificent event that
Games taking place this summer. It showcased all that’s brilliant about
felt like the world had arrived on our Glasgow.
doorstep and wanted to celebrate with
continued on page 2 >>
Winter 2014
Welcome
>> from p1 And yet contrast this with the
experience of the men and women who use
Glasgow City Mission’s services. Most live out an
existence defined by exclusion: excluded from
If you weren’t particularly good at sport at
mainstream society, from a stable family life,
school you’ll be aware of the horrible sinking
from a home they can call their own, from the
feeling of lining up to be ‘picked’ only to know
labour market and so on.
that you’re going to be picked last. You might
Thanks to your support, Glasgow City Mission as well have been invisible. It’s horrible to be
has been working hard to meet the needs of It was a wonderful occasion that brought excluded.
our clients and to include them in as much everyone together. Under glorious sunshine, As you’ll see from this edition of Connect, we’ve
as possible – including the Commonwealth people discovered that they could do things, been really active over the summer, striving to
Games. After all, why should ‘everyone’ get to that they are skilled and that they do have talent. ensure our clients feel included rather than included those shunned by society. Not only
enjoy the celebrations but not those on the
excluded from society. From the big events of that, but he heals the man. He is no longer
margins of the city?
the Commonwealth Games and independence someone who is separated from community.
Experiences, jobs and participation One man, a large and burley referendum, to the everyday access of essential
Social inclusion is a precious value that Glasgow
So to that end, some of our younger LifeChange Glaswegian, said afterwards services, being homeless and stuck in poverty
City Mission holds dear. We didn’t want 2014 to
clients, those aged 18 to 25, got to experience “I’ve never felt so loved and often means exclusion rather than inclusion.
be a year where only part of Glasgow could
the famous Hampden Roar by taking in some accepted as I have felt today”. The local authority’s technical term for the engage with significant events.
people we serve is Multiple Exclusion Complex
We hope, that just like Jesus, we include those
Needs (MECN). It’s a bit of a mouthful, but it’s
Grant Campbell, Chief Executive said “For many who are excluded and see their transformation.
true. These are men and women who as well
clients, Glasgow City Mission acts in a sense as We want to see healing and restoration for those
as being homeless, may also have mental
parents and family. For many, they never had
health, addiction and general health needs.
someone who came to watch their school play
There are two distinct issues they face. Not only
or sports day performances. They’re having their
do they have no place to call home, they have “We didn’t want 2014 to be
time now and for many, it’s the first time in their
lives that they’ve heard the words ‘well done’.
additional health needs which makes finding a year where only part of
athletics. Among the group was Emmanuel. He It’s into these opportunities that we are able
and keeping a home all the harder. Glasgow could engage with
said “This was the first time I was at a live sporting and privileged to demonstrate God’s love in significant events”.
event and I got to cheer on my country”. practical terms.”
In addition, four people who attend our jobs “Jesus chooses to be with
the excluded”. with mental and physical health issues. We long
club secured employment with Glasgow 2014, More pics on our to see those with alcohol or drug addiction
two of whom received further job offers after the facebook page
issues live a life of freedom. Just like the person
Games were over, living up to the promises of
The Gospel of Mark* tells us of when Jesus met in Mark’s gospel, we want people to experience
‘legacy’ we’ve all heard so much about.
someone who was MECN. Excluded due to an Jesus. We’re making great progress and we’re
And finally we held our very own Glasgow infectious skin disease, the man couldn’t be in buoyed in our journey knowing you stand
Street Games. More than 90 clients participated the community and for that he was unemployed behind us. Thank you for all you do to enable
in table tennis, badminton, 100 metre sprint, and homeless. There was no temporary furnished the work of Glasgow City Mission through your
keepie-uppy tournament, tug o’war, long jump, flat, hostel or emergency accommodation. The prayers and your giving.
sumo wrestling, basketball and street bowls. person’s only option was to remain with others
who were MECN.
Jesus then does something quite remarkable.
Jesus chooses to be with the excluded. He didn’t
just minister to those deemed ‘appropriate’; he Grant Campbell, Chief Executive.
*Mark 1:40-45
photo credit: Andrew Lynch
Urban Café provides Alongside internet access, further essential
services are provided at Urban in the form of
access to many of
a gym to exercise and stay healthy, showers,
legal advice, opticians and food. There is also
a small music studio where people can learn
life’s essentials to play, record, mix and edit their own music. By
developing new skills, self-confidence grows and
this has a ripple effect in other areas of life.
Pop into our second floor on any given
Wednesday or Friday afternoon and you’ll
discover a bustling café atmosphere: people
are chatting, coffee is percolating, music
is playing and lots of people are busy with Jason attends regularly. He said “I like Urban.
activity. It gives me something to do with my day and
you get to speak with other people too. I get
food which I wouldn’t get elsewhere and I can
“I use the computers to help paying bills, managing our money, completing use the computers and gym which is great. It’s
me with my job situation” Government forms, looking for work, finding out a dead nice atmosphere and people just want
explains Graeme. what’s happening in the world, connecting to to help.”
friends and family and so on.
Our Urban Café provides a safe place for That’s no different for those who come to Urban.
people to come and engage in activities that
will help to move their lives forward in a positive
What is different is that many people do not
have easy access to the internet elsewhere - Free eye tests and
way. It provides many of life’s essential services
that otherwise would add to people’s sense of
broadband is an expensive monthly bill and it
requires a home for it to be installed in – luxuries glasses at Urban
Café: Jamie’s story
exclusion from society. many Urban Café members cannot afford or do
not have.
The computer suite for instance provides
free internet access to clients of Glasgow “I use the computers to help me with my job
Aged 11, Jamie was placed in Care
City Mission. The internet has long become a situation” explains Graeme. “I’m also dyslexic and
following difficulties at home. Now aged 43,
‘must have’ for just about all of us. So much of they’re good for helping me with my reading – so
he’s spent most of his adult life in and out of
what we do in life now requires online access: the computers and the staff are great”.
prison. He tells his story for Connect. on my Construction Skills Certification Scheme
card and got me onto a forklift course.
For years I just used to get up and see what
would happen that day. I didn’t want to get I’m in seeing the optician today because I lost
help from anyone. my glasses after moving flat recently. One of
my pupils is damaged so I need glasses with a
I realised I couldn’t keep living my life that way
dark tint. It’s a great service the guys offer and
though. I now get great support from Glasgow
I’m really pleased they’re here.
City Mission, my social worker and my housing
officer. Michael and Stephen from Complete
Community Care Opticians hold a monthly
Since coming to Glasgow City Mission, I’ve
clinic at our Urban Café. “We find essential
got a lot more structure and focus in my life. I
services like eye tests are not a top priority for
come to cooking on Tuesdays, Over 40s Club
many vulnerable people” explains Michael.
and Urban on Wednesdays, and Next Steps on
“We’re able to connect to services like Glasgow
Thursdays.
City Mission and provide free NHS eye checks
Susan and Joe [project workers] are great, as in a familiar environment. If the person is in
Could you spare a few hours? is Tracy from Jobs & Business Glasgow who’s receipt of benefits, we can also issue them with
Urban Café is seeking additional volunteers. See the How Can You Help pages here each Thursday. They’ve helped me work free glasses”.
at www.glasgowcitymission.com for more info or use the response form on p11.
Homeless have
their say on
Scotland’s future Glasgow City Mission Referendum Hustings
Hailed as the biggest decision we’ll make in Jackie Baillie MSP represented Better Together
our lifetime, the nation has been gripped with whilst Sandra White MSP represented
referendum fever. Yet despite the myriad of Yes Scotland. Both initially explained the
television debates, husting events and door importance of voting, putting to bed the myth
to door canvassing, little engagement has that voting required a fixed address.
occurred with those who are homeless and on
After making their opening cases for and Chief Executive and Chair of the debate,
the fringes of mainstream society.
against independence, the floor was opened Grant Campbell. “The quality of questions was
up to questions from the packed audience. superb and both candidates responded well.
These centred on jobs, housing, homelessness, Encouragingly eight people completed forms
“14 people registered to vote welfare, disability rights and entitlements, to register to vote for the first time with a further
for the first time”. defence and currency. six in the days that followed.
Afterwards, electoral roll registration forms were “Our clients often tell us how they feel ignored,
available for those not already on the voting invisible and how their opinions don’t count.
It was for that reason Glasgow City Mission
register. Declaration of Local Connection forms
held its own hustings event, providing a We’ve been passionate about ensuring they
were also available for those without a fixed
platform for clients to voice their concerns and are included in this debate as arguably they
address.
make them aware that they can vote should have the most to gain or lose whatever the
they wish to. “The event was a terrific success” claimed outcome.”
Kirsty describing the event said: “It’s a good thing as it gies us a chance to get
heard. I didn’t know how to vote - I’m 38 and I’ve never voted in anything”.
Sandra White MSP said: “I thought today was absolutely fantastic. It gave people
an opportunity to have a say, people who are disadvantaged who think their
cause isn’t heard, isn’t taken seriously, well they were certainly heard today. They
were certainly taken seriously”.
Jackie Baillie MSP said: “I thought it was a brilliant session and people were
very engaged: lots of hard questions as people are making up their minds on
how to vote. Lots of people who are homeless don’t register to vote and I think
it’s so important that their voices are heard too”.
Media coverage and video clips of both candidates closing remarks can be viewed on the news
pages of www.glasgowcitymission.com and photos at facebook.com/glasgowcitymission
Glasgow City Mission as an organisation is politically neutral.
Alpha course gets
underway with
enthusiasm
Across the world, the Alpha Course has led to
thousands of people discovering the Christian
faith with countless numbers becoming
Christians.
The informal ten week ‘ask anything’ format
breaks down the basics of Christianity in a
relaxed atmosphere. At Glasgow City Mission,
we’ve been running the course for many years
Taking the High Road and have had the joy of seeing men and
women come to faith.
A new course has just got underway. Around
The naturalist John Muir once said “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks”. Thanks to meeting old friends and new ones, chewing the cud fifty men and women enjoy a hearty meal
you, a number of men from our Over 40s Club have had the chance to do just that by escaping the city for a and talking over what’s going on in the world, and before watching a video presentation from
day to enjoy the fresh air of beautiful Loch Lomondside. simply socialising. The effect of which is really positive. Alpha and then discussing what they’ve
watched.
First stop, Helensburgh for a stroll along the front before tucking into huge plates of fish and chips. Then a drive “Our staff and volunteers have built up really good
up scenic Gare Loch and over the hills to Loch Lomond to enjoy an ice cream at Luss. With the sun shining and trusted relationships with the men and that means “The team are really excited about Alpha” says
the banter flowing, a great day was had by all. they feel comfortable asking for help or advice in
other areas of their lives. That includes questions “clients have been very
In typically understated Glasgow-fashion, Robert, a club regular said “Aye, that was no a bad wee day”.
related to faith and it has been our privilege to
cynical about faith but are
help many grow in their understanding of
Christianity and connect people to our
now asking questions”.
“just getting out of the city can do a world of good”
Church or Alpha courses, and churches
across the city”. Ewan Clydesdale, City Centre Project Manager.
Joe Thomson, Project Worker and co-ordinator of the Over 40s club explained “For a long time we’ve had a high number of
that “just getting out of the city can do a world of good”. He added “We clients who have been very cynical about faith
might only have been an hour away but what a difference it makes: fresh but more recently, we’ve seen quite a change.
air, beautiful scenery and just a change to the day-to-day routine and They are now curious and asking questions
sometimes drudgery that many of our men face. and have been coming along to our midweek
church service.
The Over 40s Club runs every Wednesday at our City Centre project and
is one of the most popular activities in the weekly programme. Men can “Alpha is a great follow-on to go deeper into
enjoy a hearty lunch, a game of table tennis or snooker, a read of the exploring who Jesus is and what He stands for”.
papers, taking part in Jim’s quiz and get their hair cut from our volunteer
Leanne said “I’ve been coming along to Alpha
barber. Most importantly however, the Club provides a space to make
to find out more about God and ask questions”.
community.
“So far I’ve found out more about heaven and
“For many of our men, they go through each you don’t need to be good to get there. Life is a
day with no one to talk to” explains Joe. “They “Many of our men go rollercoaster but I want to find out more”.
are lonely and isolated and that often leads to
through each day with
a downward spiral of behaviour and mental
no one to talk to.” Find out more about Alpha at www.alpha.org
health. Coming to the Over 40s Club means
I WANT TO TRANSFORM
Parental involvement key to children’s Response Form LIVES IN GLASGOW
development success We hope you’ve enjoyed this issue of Connect and have discovered afresh the ways in which
we’re seeking to include the excluded and demonstrate God’s love through practical care. It’s
our supporters that make this possible. If you would like to partner with us, we can do more.
As a new year at our Child & Family Centre development is enhanced. We’re all about
gets underway, inclusion and involvement building positive relationships: by working
I’d like to set up a monthly donation
of parents and children is central to all that together, staff and families can support each
1 To the manager, bank/building society
happens. other to deliver an excellent level of care.”
Account No: Branch Address:
Across nursery, playgroup and parent-toddler In an HM Inspection report earlier this year,
classes, children are asked for their ideas using the Child & Family Centre scored ‘very good’ Please pay Glasgow City Mission, account no: 00401095, sort code: 80-54-01,
a number of methods including regular ‘circle across all measures. When examining how Bank of Scotland, Gordon Street, Glasgow, G1 3RS.
time’ sessions. Staff record these and seek to well staff sought parent views and worked The sum of £6 £12 £24 £36 £50 Other every month
fulfil them within activities. in partnership with parents to care for and
On the day of every month
educate their children, scores were far in
excess of national averages. I’d like to give a one-off gift of £
“parents feel valued and
Anne responded “We really strive to get to know I enclose a cheque (payable to Glasgow City Mission) OR Please debit my card
empowered while children
our parents and treat them with respect and
learn more effectively”. Card No: Expiry: Start:
dignity. The Child & Family Centre is not just a Security code (last 3 digits on the reverse of your card):
place for children, it’s for parents too and as
Citing one example, Anne Scott, Centre a result, parents feel valued and empowered
Manager explains that a number of parents are while children learn more effectively.” Name (Mr/Mrs/Miss/Dr)
expecting a baby which has aroused a curiosity 2 Address
amongst their older children. “As a result, we’ve
introduced more baby dolls, a baby bath and
Postcode
accessories to help children learn how to care
and nurture their new younger siblings. A parent Tel: email:
is also coming in to give a talk on feeding which
went down very well”. Where did you receive this copy of Connect?
We’ll not share your details with any 3rd parties.
Meanwhile our parent council and parent
suggestion and voting schemes prove effective I want to make my gift worth 25% more at no extra cost
in involving families in the work of the Child & I am a UK tax payer and would like Glasgow City Mission to reclaim 25p of tax on every £1
Family Centre. Topics for parenting classes, an that I give on or after 6 April 2008 and any future donations that I make.*
eco committee and a weekly coffee morning * I understand I must have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April to 5 April)
that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that I donate to will
have all resulted from parental involvement reclaim on my gifts for that tax year. Other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify.
with the destination of the Christmas trip on the
agenda for the next Parent Council meeting.
Please send me more information about:
“I really enjoy being involved in the running of 3 volunteering arranging a visit to Glasgow City Mission
the Child & Family Centre” said parent Angela. fundraising in my workplace / church leaving a gift in my will
“It helps me build relationships with staff and to
booking someone to speak at my church / group receiving our prayer email
know more about my child’s development and
so I can help her learn more”.
We’re all about building relationships
Anne said “Parents are always respected as
4 SIGNATURE DATE
THANK YOU
the first educators in the child’s life. By involving Completed forms can be posted to simply
them in the Child & Family Centre, children’s “FREEPOST, GLASGOW CITY MISSION”.
Reg Charity SC001499 14WIN
Inclusive Community:
serving the
neighbourhood
and the city
One Southside church has opened its doors “We were happy
to those in its neighbourhood whilst also to provide this
benefiting the city’s homeless. and in doing so,
demonstrate that
Situated on a busy corner just a stone’s
the church is here to
throw from Hampden Park, Clincarthill Parish
serve its community
Church staged a community café during the
in very practical
Commonwealth Games. Keen to welcome fans
ways. A number of
and minister something of God’s goodness,
very positive conversations occurred and many
the church provided refreshments and free
were interested to learn more about our church.
ice-cream to those en route to watch athletics.
Inside, a Glasgow City Mission display was “We also recognised it would be a great
erected and £400 was collected to provide hot opportunity to benefit charities that are close
food and practical support to those homeless to our hearts, one of which is Glasgow City
in the city. Mission. We were delighted to be able to raise
£400 to help those who are most in need in
Everybody loves an ice-cream Glasgow” said Stephen.
Glasgow City Mission is blessed to receive
“We really wanted to bless those in our local support from a wide range of churches and
community” explained Stephen Kennedy, an church coffee shops across West Central
Elder at Clincarthill. “We’ve been blessed by Scotland and further afield in the forms of
such a strategic location so close to Hampden financial and fundraising support, gifts in kind,
that we desired to open our doors, welcome volunteers and prayer all of which makes the
the community and serve them. On a hot day, work of Glasgow City Mission possible.
everybody loves an ice-cream so we knew that
would be popular but we also knew there is
very limited provision for toilets at the stadium.
If you’d like a chat about how your church You can also download our
could partner with us, please get in touch: church toolkit from
0141 221 2630 or email toolkits.glasgowcitymission.com
graham.steven@glasgowcitymission.com
Glasgow City Mission, 20 Crimea St, G2 8PW. Tel 0141 221 2630.
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