The main aim of Activate is to give local people who are active in their communities an opportunity to reflect on what they do and why they do it, in order for them to be more effective in working for the communities where they live and work.

Among those participating in this session are The Courtyard Pantry, ng homes staff, local residents, Pinkston, Young People’s Futures and more.

Activate strengthens local networks and people attending get a chance to listen to each other and see different ways of working together. Having a group where there is a mixture of ages, ethnic backgrounds and work or voluntary experiences enables participants to think more deeply about the work they are doing and challenge their own views and the views of others.

The areas covered by the course include the values and principles of community development, anti-discriminatory practice, power and participation, local and global links, group work, learning for change, monitoring and evaluation.

The Activate session will run for approximately 10 weeks.

Spaces are still available for the Autumn 2023 session which will be taking place weekly on Thursday from 1pm-5pm in Saracen House, Possilpark.

Paula Mailey, community development team leader and graduate of Activate, said: “Activate is a great course where students are able to connect with like-minded individuals and share their collective experience. Many students take ideas or lessons straight back to their communities and organisations and we see the positive impact time and time again. I would recommend anyone who is considering taking part to get in touch and learn more!”

Activate is open to anyone over 16 years of age and there is no upper age limit. Those that take part will learn about community work and local/global issues through discussion and group work. Anyone interested should contact Paula Mailey, Community Development Team Leader on 0141 560 6000 or email pmailey@nghomes.net.