Big success for Thenue volunteer fair

An event from Thenue Housing to get people volunteering has been hailed as a big success.

The association’s “Volunteer Fair” took pace in Calton where Thenue's volunteering initiative is now in full swing.

Launched last year  with the appointment of Volunteering Co-Ordinator Christopher Somerville, the occasion showcased the values associated with volunteering  and the  many opportunities which arise from it.

Thenue’s pilot project on volunteering aims to provide community-led solutions to help families build community relationships and help towards employment.  

The initiative is part of “Calton Demonstration of Change” - a multi-agency programme being led by Clyde Gateway, Scotland’s largest urban regeneration agency,  as part of Glasgow City Council’s “Child Poverty Programme.” 

With a strong focus on early intervention, employment support, and community wellbeing this approach aims to improve long-term outcomes for families and is testing new ways to help families move out of poverty.

The well-attended event featured a host of community organisations including Bridgeton Citizens Advice, Willowacre Trust (the charitable subsidiary of West of Scotland Housing Association), the Scottish Pantry Network, Jobs & Business Glasgow, MCR Pathways, Skills Development Scotland, Food Train, Volunteer Glasgow and Thenue Housing itself.

Those attending were able  to browse different opportunities to find out how they can support their community, and what skills and experience they can get from volunteering.

Christopher said: “We want to thank our partners for taking the time to attend the Volunteer Fair and showcase the important roles they play in our communities. The volunteering advice was wide ranging and offered a significant range of opportunities.”

Brian Gannon, Interim Chief Executive at Thenue, added: “Volunteering plays a crucial role in creating and sustaining thriving neighbourhoods and fits perfectly with the long-held and much-admired values of the community-based housing association movement.

“Thenue is strongly committed to the concept of volunteering - as typified by our volunteering project - and the clear benefits it brings to the neighbourhoods we serve.”