People supported in Glasgow South have been putting on their trainers and casting their line as they take part in the walking and fishing groups set up and fundraised by the Glasgow South Service.
These groups are the inspiration of Support Practitioner and Involvement Champion, Jackie Frew.
“When I joined the Involvement Group, I heard about the games groups other services were running. I wondered how we could run something similar and how we could run it outside”, said Jackie.
Jackie received support from her team to set up two weekly walking groups and a fishing group for people supported and recently supported by Carr Gomm.
The Tuesday Walking Group enjoys a stroll along a local route and is run by Support Practitioner, Evelyn.
Jackie runs the walking group known as ‘Tea in the Park’. In August they had 16 people join for a walk to and from the park, where they enjoyed refreshments, home-baking and games.
The fishing group is run by Support Practitioner, Bob, who is a keen fisher and who shares his knowledge with the people who attend.
These groups have provided a space for people to have meaningful connection with others, while enjoying the great outdoors. To raise money for the groups, they completed a fantastic 10k cycle around Millport in 2022 and in the past they’ve done other fundraising challenges including the Glasgow Kiltwalk.
“It’s a lifeline for many people we support, and I’m so uplifted from conversations people have. Some people talk about life in general, but a lot of people are open with each other. People are supporting each other and pulling each other up. They have ownership over these groups. Some even meet up with each other outside these groups”.
Support Practitioners also benefit. “Usually we provide 1 to 1 support so this is totally different” said Jackie. “The groups are a bit of a chill-out for us. It allows us to relate to each other better and do stuff together, as staff and people supported.”
Carr Gomm is proud to have served communities in Scotland for the past 25 years. This year we are asking for your help to raise £25,000 to continue our community projects and activities in the #BigCGChallenge. Find out how you can get involved on our fundraising pages.
