UK Poverty Post

The government must not miss the boat on opportunities like GalGael

All of us are feeling the effects of the current cuts, but particularly vulnerable are voluntary sector groups who often rely on grants such as those from local government.  These groups are, however, often unsung heroes, providing positive and effective community services and subsequently managing to reduce government spending on other social services; one such group is GalGael in the former ship building area of Govan in Glasgow. 

It’s a feast for the eyes walking into GalGael’s workshop, everywhere you look there’s a product of the handiwork being done by participants: a polished wooden chair; a boat-shaped bookshelf; a full-size model of a golden eagle swooping down from the ceiling; a huge knotted wooden photo frame protecting a painting of their late founder, Colin Macleod; and if you peer into the workshop at the back, a couple of huge boats that will soon be sailing down the River Clyde.  But what strikes most walking into the Govan-based charity is the bustling, friendly family atmosphere.  Greeting our apologies for being late came the response: “it’s ok, we’re on clan time.”

GalGael was founded in 1995 after a motorway protest spurred the community into further positive action, using the newfound community voice to create something great in an area hounded by a plethora of social problems.  In years gone by, Govan was known the world over for its shipbuilding, but since the decline in traditional industry the area has struggled and these skills have been undervalued, with residents finding themselves out of work struggling to compete in the new knowledge economy.  An area suffering from poverty and social exclusion, compared with the Scottish average twice as many 25-49 year olds are out of work and more than double are income deprived.

 ‘Navigate Life’ is a programme providing 12-week placements for individuals in the local community to learn about woodwork, carving, and even some welding and pottery skills, receiving a certificate from the local college.  People may apply to the course themselves or are referred by the prison and criminal justice services, or from mental health, drug and alcohol addiction and homelessness services.  They first undertake a personal carving project, which can be used as gifts to rekindle damaged family relationships, or simply to demonstrate to their loved ones their skills and achievement.  They then join in working on some of the wider projects being undertaken at GalGael.  Even when a course comes to an end, the door remains open and GalGael continues to act as a community hub, keeping in touch with their ‘alumni’ of participants, some of whom continue their involvement as volunteers in the workshop. 

Their services to the community don’t stop there.  GalGael are currently hosting a joint project between local Catholic and Protestant schools to build a boat, encouraging them to construct strong relationships whilst learning more about Scotland’s shipbuilding and clan history.  They encourage the community to rebuild their relationship with Scotland’s ancestral heritage, regaining their familiarity with Scotland’s water by building and sailing traditional Gaelic boats.  Talk about hitting a few seagulls with one stone!

GalGael helps provide a sense of pride and achievement to individuals and communities.  Groups like GalGael must be recognised for the contribution they make to our society and the money they inevitably help save on other social services, it must be ensured they are protected in the coming cuts.  The government needs to make sure it doesn’t miss the boat on this opportunity.