The Parkhead Hub further cemented its role at the centre of community life in the east end of Glasgow this week, as hundreds of people came together for its second Community Network Day.
Building on a successful first year at the Hub, the event brought together local people, services and organisations for a day of activity, advice and connection – highlighting the growing impact of the building as a focal point for health, wellbeing and community support.
Across the day, the Hub welcomed a steady flow of visitors, with people of all ages taking part in a wide range of activities while connecting with services offering advice, support and opportunities to get involved locally.
Around 50 stallholders – spanning NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), third sector organisations, educational and skills bodies and grassroots community groups – transformed the space into a vibrant, welcoming showcase of what’s available in the east end and across the city.
From crafting and children’s play to books, mindfulness activities, bike maintenance and even free haircuts, the event combined a relaxed, informal atmosphere with practical support, reflecting the Hub’s focus on health and wellbeing in its broadest sense.
Visitors were able to speak directly with organisations including mental health services, employability support, carers’ groups and recovery networks – highlighting the wide reach of the Hub, which has already supported almost 9,500 engagements with local groups and organisations in its first year of operation.
The event also offered a snapshot of the Hub’s growing programme of regular activity, from Play and Stay and Play Café sessions to Create and Connect and Community Walk and Talk groups, all designed to bring people together and reduce isolation.
Jackie Shearer, Engagement and Equalities Coordinator for North-East Locality, Glasgow HSCP, was one of the driving forces behind the success of the Hub. She said:
“Over the past year we’ve seen Parkhead Hub grow into something really special for the east end, and the whole of Glasgow. It’s not just about the services based here – it’s about the relationships that have developed between organisations and, most importantly, the connections people have made with each other.
“We’ve had thousands of interactions with community groups and partners already, and that tells its own story about the demand for a space like this. The Hub has quickly become a place where people feel welcome, where they know they can come for support, or simply to be part of something.
“Events like this bring all of that together. You can see the strength and diversity of what’s available locally, but you can also see how much it means for people to have this shared space at the heart of their community. It’s something everyone involved should be really proud of.”
Arvind Salwan is founder of the Dementia Heroes Café and Dementia Hour, which both meet at the Hub on the last Friday of every month. He was one of the stallholders – and his impression of the building is typical of many participants at the Network Day: “We chose the Hub because it’s simply a lovely place to be. It’s easy to get here, accessible, and the facilities are ideal for our needs.”
He added: “There’s space to talk, support each other and take part in activities but also, in the library, there are private spaces which allow us to provide one-to-one support if necessary.
“It really is a great place to do the work we do – in fact we’re booked up here, on the last Friday of every month, for as long as they’ll have us.”
The Parkhead Hub, which brings together health services, community facilities and civic amenities under one roof, has continued to grow its role as a focal point for the local community since opening. Alongside health and social care services, it offers a modern public library, community meeting spaces, a café and a busy programme of creative, educational and wellbeing activity.
Events like the Community Network Day are set to remain a key part of that offer, creating opportunities for people to connect, access support and take part in the life of the area – all in one place.
And Mark McCourt, a senior addiction practitioner with the Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service who is based at the Hub, described perfectly how important the building is.
He said: “The designers did a brilliant job here. They really took time to consider the needs of everyone who uses the building. What’s not to like?
“Recently I spoke to one of our service users, and his impression nearly moved me to tears.
“He said: ‘It makes people like me feel safe. Because of the way the building’s laid out nobody knows why I’m here’.
“It’s removed the stigma for services like ours. That’s a huge thing.”
Karen Dyball, Assistant Chief Officer, Children’s Services and North-East Locality, Glasgow HSCP, gave a speech to welcome everyone to the event, and afterwards she said: “Today’s event was another huge success, focusing on improving mental health and wellbeing and showcasing all the support available.
“We were delighted with the turnout and level of engagement and hope that local families continue to access the full range of supports and services available.
“This was an important day for helping to connect organisations too, and I would like to thank all of the stallholders who were there to network and showcase their services. We collected feedback today that will be really helpful in planning future events.
“Special thanks to all of the people who visited the Hub today, and we look forward to seeing you all at the next event.”
