Govan Youngsters Serve Up a Treat for Local Residents
Elderly residents in Govan were treated to a special afternoon by local teenagers.
The spectacular event which brought together young and old was organised by Aberlour Child Care Trust and local housing associations. Recently Aberlour Child Care Trust enabled the young people supported by their Family Support Service in Glasgow to host an intergenerational afternoon tea in Elderpark Community Centre for local elderly residents in Govan.
The event was delivered within the ‘Govan Thriving Places’ project to encourage local young people who have been or are at risk of being involved with anti-social behaviour to make positive contributions to their community. By encouraging young people to be involved in their local community through groups, projects and services the aim is to reduce anxiety between older people and young people to help everyone feel safe in Govan.
Aberlour is Scotland’s largest children’s charity and supports over 7,500 vulnerable children and their families across the country. Aberlour provide a range of services, including residential and fostering, recovery, early years, disability and early intervention, to help the young people and families they support to thrive.
Jack, aged 14, said:
“It was a great turn-out, with loads of people I haven’t seen before. It’s a chance for older people to teach young people new things and young people to teach older people new things.”
Asda Govan kindly donated delicious food which the young people served on the day while our partners Elderpark Housing, CCG and Govan Thriving Places provided funding for the event. The Craft Café provided decorations and the encouraged elderly people they support to attend the event.
Michelle King, Service Manager of Aberlour Family Support Service – Glasgow , said:
“The young people we support in Govan are often stigmatised and labelled as being troublesome. This event provided a platform to change these perceptions and see the positive work that these young people bring to their local community. This event is a great opportunity for them to meet and learn from older people who live in their local community, but it is also a good opportunity for older Govan residents to meet our young people.”
Linnea Blair, a Govan resident who attended the event, said:
“The people’s enjoyment was so clear to see. So thank you to all for such a success. And good luck to you, you deserve all the best.”