Parkhead Hub’s first community networking event was declared a roaring success by staff and the public who attended the event on 22 May. The new Hub welcomed local families and organisations to come together to see the breadth of Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and local community services, available in the east area of Glasgow.

The focus of the day was on the wide range of services across the community supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people and their families. There was also a range of free activities from massage and tai chi to arts, crafts and play.

Over 40 stalls with representatives from the HSCP, third sector organisations and community groups were spread over the two courtyards and foyer area in the Hub, showcasing services and activities to promote wellbeing. These included our HSCP’s Health Improvement staff, Children’s Service, Parkhead Youth Project and GAMH North East Carer Service.

Jackie Shearer, Engagement and Equalities Coordinator, for Parkhead Hub organised the busy event. She said: “The day kicked off with the launch of the popular new Social Blend café, which opened in March and is already well used by visitors and staff. It’s run by Include Me 2 Club, a social enterprise and charity that offers employment and training opportunities to young people and adults with additional support needs.

“We also set up a performance area in the foyer of the Hub where Glasgow Kelvin College students performed, and Indepen-dance, a Bridgeton based dance company that supports young people with additional support needs, led some group routines. They both gave a joyful performance that had everyone smiling and dancing with the young people.

“Glasgow Life's Sing for Fun community choir came along at 2pm and belted out some popular tunes. It was great to hear everyone joining in with the singing. It was so good to see everyone smiling and taking time out to enjoy themselves. Huge thanks to everyone who took part. We hope that this will be the first of many different events at the Hub.”

Bailie Norman MacLeod, Glasgow City IJB Member and Chair of our HSCP’s Public Engagement Committee also attended the event. He said: “The Parkhead Hub simply is magnificent. The extensive range of health and social care services now in one place, co-located with Parkhead Library and a first class public cafe - all very welcoming and open to all, mark it out as a very special addition to the east of the city. I was hugely impressed by the Hub. I’d like to congratulate those responsible for its creation and wish everyone concerned with its future operation all happiness and continuing success.”

Chloe Heyburn and Claire McLachlan from our Health Improvement Team were delighted to run a stall. Chloe said: “We loved meeting and chatting with everyone, and sharing more about the important work of our North East Health Improvement Team, as well as local networks and resources that support our communities.

“A real highlight has been the Tree of Hope, beautifully created by unpaid workers from the Community Payback Service. Attendees were eager to add their own messages, making it a truly uplifting and collaborative piece of art.”

Margaret McBride, Service Manager, GAMH North East Carers Service, said: “What an amazing day everyone had at the community event. Such a fantastic atmosphere and thankfully the sun kept shining! It was great to speak with so many carers throughout the day and also a fantastic opportunity to network.”

Read more about the Hub on the webpage.