The project is an “early intervention programme” which aims to provide targeted support to children and families to limit the ongoing impact of poverty.

It will take the form of play-based sessions to explore themes such as active play and healthy eating. The project will take place at the Calton Heritage and Learning Centre and at the Netherholm Hall, Castlemilk in three six-week-long programmes at both locations.

The initiative has been made possible thanks to a funding boost from the grant-making charity North Star Trust and will be delivered by The Halliday Foundation – a charity with whom Thenue Communities has a long association.

North Star Trust presented a cheque for £8000 to Thenue Communities at Netherholm Hall this week to get the ball rolling. Glasgow-based North Star Trust does inspirational work helping communities and has a strong commitment to “making communities thrive”.

It focuses its important work on four key areas: community development and engagement, poverty relief, awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.

Rosie Roberston of Thenue Communities said: “Our Children’s Thrive project aims to provide targeted support to children and families to limit the ongoing impact of poverty. It was developed in partnership with local early years and health professionals who have identified areas of greatest concern. 

“At the end of each session, families will receive a high-quality development pack containing resources such as a teddy bear to support emotional needs, toothbrushes and pyjamas to encourage healthy sleep patterns, cooking equipment with ingredients and recipes, books, active toys and art supplies. Importantly, parents have told us they need access to parent and toddler activities and to food and warmth.

“The aim of the programme is to create direct links and build relationships with families experiencing the adverse effects of poverty. Our main aim is to limit the impact of poverty on the wellbeing and development of children and families.

“This project would not be possible without this generous financial support from North Star Trust. We are enormously grateful for the £8000 funding which will make a real difference to families in Calton and Castlemilk.”

Georgia Henney, chairing trustee of North Star Trust, added: “We are absolutely delighted to support the ‘Children’s Thrive’ initiative with this funding. At North Star Trust, we aim to help communities flourish, and there is no better way to do that than by supporting the organisations that are dedicated to the wellbeing and future of our children.

“By focusing on early intervention and providing families with practical, everyday essentials—from healthy recipes to active play—Thenue Communities and The Halliday Foundation are creating a lifeline for those who need it most. 

“We were blown away by Rosie’s incredible commitment and passion for the communities of Calton and Castlemilk, and we are proud to be able to offer this grant for this project and to a team so dedicated to making a lasting difference.”