News

Investing in Volunteers Award 2022

In November 2022, Cranhill Development Trust received the prestigious award of the Investing in Volunteers accreditation. This accolade recognises the management support and professionalism of the systems and structures that support over 40 volunteers within CDT who help facilitate the activities and support we provide.

In November 2022, Cranhill Development Trust received the prestigious award of the Investing in Volunteers accreditation. This accolade recognises the management support and professionalism of the systems and structures that support over 40 volunteers within CDT who help facilitate the activities and support we provide.

Anne Hislop – Investing in Volunteers Manager for Scotland said – “Investing in Volunteers [IiV] is the UK award with a unique focus on volunteering. To become an IiV Achiever, an organisation needs to demonstrate their commitment to their volunteers and be able to evidence high quality volunteer management in practice. It needs the support of everyone from volunteers to Board members and staff.

So far, more than 200 organisations, from all over Scotland, have achieved the award; from small local groups to large national organisations. Volunteer Scotland is delighted to be able to include Cranhill Development Trust on the list of Achievers “.

An extract of the final Volunteer Scotland report stated: Volunteering is regarded by both staff and volunteers, to be an essential component of the organisations activities, and all were aware of the benefits volunteering brings to all concerned.

There was a general recognition that volunteering provided an important opportunity for social contact, both for service users and for volunteers themselves, which is particularly important given the isolated nature of the area. Other benefits were training and support for younger volunteers hoping to enter the job market, and support for volunteer asylum seekers to adjust to local culture.

Volunteers felt that their contribution was valued by CDT citing the thanks they receive form staff on a regular basis and their involvement in consultation about the organisation’s activities. One volunteer said, ” It’s like a big family here, and we’re all made to feel a part of it”.

If you would like to become a CDT volunteer please visit our Volunteering Opportunities Page, and fill out our short application form.

For more information about Investing in Volunteers, visit www.investinginvolunteers.org.uk

Donations for Ukranian Refugees

CDT are collecting donations every Wednesday and Friday afternoon, for Ukrainian Refugees housed on a Cruise Ship in Glasgow. Last week AUGB Glasgow took donations collected in Cranhill to the Cruise Ship, allowing individuals and their families the opportunity to pick up items they need.

CDT are collecting donations every Wednesday and Friday afternoon, for Ukrainian Refugees housed on a Cruise Ship in Glasgow. Last week AUGB Glasgow took donations collected in Cranhill to the Cruise Ship, allowing individuals and their families the opportunity to pick up items they need.

The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain [AUGB] Glasgow said, “On behalf of AUGB Glasgow, we would like to Thank you for all of your care, support and kindness that you have shown to the Ukrainian community. Your help and the help of the Cranhill community is truly appreciated! All of your wonderful donations, along with donations from the Rotary Club, were taken to the liner, and on Saturday people had the opportunity to pick out the items they needed.”

A massive thank you to everyone who has donated so far. If you would like to donate and are able to do so, please bring your donations to CDT on a Wednesday or Friday afternoon. Items particularly needed are socks, underwear, winter coats, nappies, baby wipes and toys.

Best of You Programme

CDT Youth Employability Worker, Kayla, has been working with Mark Brown Programmes and two local secondary schools, St Andrews and Smithycroft, to carry out the ‘Best of you’ Programme with 3rd, 4th and 5th year students.

CDT Youth Employability Worker, Kayla, has been working with Mark Brown Programmes and two local secondary schools, St Andrews and Smithycroft, to carry out the ‘Best of you’ Programme with 3rd, 4th and 5th year students.

Smithycroft students experienced a week full of confidence building exercises, including tackling their fears, and developing self belief. Furthermore they got an amazing talk from Craig Mathieson form the The Polar Academy and an exceptional Yoga session from the brilliant David Sye of world renowned Yogabeats.

To finish an amazing week we celebrated with a Graduation ceremony for the group down at CDT to honour the groups achievements and award them with a certified certification for completing the Best of You Programme

St Andrews students spent a week exploring their potential, working on confidence building, facing their fears and self-belief. Furthermore they got the opportunity to participate in team building challenges. and even a special session with the amazing Lorna Skywalker doing some meditation.

It has been great to work with young people from Smithycroft and St Andrews Secondary Schools, and to provide them with new opportunities and experiences. Thank you to Mark Brown, for partnering with us and facilitating the running of the ‘Best of You’ programme.

DTAS’ Annual Conference hosted by CDT

Cranhill Development Trust (CDT) celebrated its 20th anniversary by showcasing its community work at Development Trusts Association Scotland’s (DTAS) Annual Conference on 4th Sept. This years conference theme was Gather, Connect and Thrive.

Cranhill Development Trust (CDT) celebrated its 20th anniversary by showcasing its community work at Development Trusts Association Scotland’s (DTAS) Annual Conference on 4th Sept. This years conference theme was Gather, Connect and Thrive.

During the event we shared our experiences of providing services and activities for Cranhill’s community. Community groups were given a tour of the Trust’s facilities including its community garden, post office and café, and our chief executive, Marie Ward, gave a presentation on how the Trust has grown and evolved over 20 years to become a vibrant hub that supports over 3,000 people in the local community. Videos of CDT’s work was also shown and staff and volunteers were on hand to answer questions.

The Trust’s chief executive, Marie Ward, who has worked with CDT for some 17 years, said: “We were delighted to host a visit as part of our 20th anniversary and celebrate the ways we are helping local communities. The key to our success is that we consult with and listen to the needs of our community whilst remaining flexible with our approach. We also changed our approach and remained open during Covid-19 to support the Cranhill community by becoming a distribution centre and offering essential equipment like phones, laptops, vouchers to help people stay connected as we all offering healthy food bags, including fresh produce for collection or delivering them to those who were unable to collect them like the elderly.”

Pauline Smith, who is DTAS’ chief executive, said: “It is great to see Cranhill Development Trust celebrating its 20th anniversary. We are really grateful to everyone at Cranhill Development Trust for sharing their learning and experiences with our members. It is an excellent example of how development trusts can make a difference in supporting communities in small yet effective ways.”

Young at Heart Club’s September Day Trip

During September, the Young at Heart Club embarked on a trip to the seaside town, Helensburgh. They set off at at 9:30 on their trip, and once arriving explored the local area. Next was a well deserved lunch consisting of Fish and Chips at a local restaurant. Volunteers accompanied our trip, aiding those with mobility issues, and supporting all attendees in having a wonderful day.

During September, the Young at Heart Club embarked on a trip to the seaside town, Helensburgh. They set off at at 9:30 on their trip, and once arriving explored the local area. Next was a well deserved lunch consisting of Fish and Chips at a local restaurant. Volunteers accompanied our trip, aiding those with mobility issues, and supporting all attendees in having a wonderful day.

Our Young at Heart Club meets every Friday for craft activities, bingo and lunch together. This is a welcoming meet up, where everyone is welcome.

Scottish Parent Awards 2022

Parent Network Scotland will be hosting the Scottish Parent Awards 2022, on 28th September 2022. There are many parents involved in their local communities, family centres and local organisations here in Cranhill, who contribute a wealth of talent and energy. This event is held to celebrate their contribution, and the awards are organised to shine a spotlight on Parents, Carers, Guardians, Groups and Organisations who are contributing to the wellbeing of their local communities our Scottish Parent Awards nominations are open.

Parent Network Scotland will be hosting the Scottish Parent Awards 2022, on 28th September 2022. There are many parents involved in their local communities, family centres and local organisations here in Cranhill, who contribute a wealth of talent and energy. This event is held to celebrate their contribution, and the awards are organised to shine a spotlight on Parents, Carers, Guardians, Groups and Organisations who are contributing to the wellbeing of their local communities our Scottish Parent Awards nominations are open.

This years categories are:
•Community Parent
•Mums the word
•Parenting Group
•Young Parent
•Dads do it!
•Grandparents Rock!
•Parent 2 Parent (supporting additional needs)
•Scottish Organisation of the Year
•Scottish Parent Award of the Year

Please complete the nomination form here to cast your vote for any Parent, Carer, Guardian, Group or Organisation in Cranhill or across Scotland who you feel deserves special recognition.

Refugee Festival and BBQ

Cranhill Development Trust contributed to this year’s Refugee Festival Scotland with a special event, representing the east of the city, based on growth and sharing stories.

Cranhill Development Trust contributed to this year’s Refugee Festival Scotland with a special event, representing the east of the city, based on growth and sharing stories.

It was a great, sunny day as 100 people from very diverse backgrounds came together for a variety of different activities in our community garden.

The RHS joined us to run a planting session where attendees could bring home a range of plants, there was a BBQ with halal meat and vegetarian options, and we were delighted to be joined by community artist and writer, Stewart Ennis who provided a special viewing of the animated film, written by him, called ‘Yoyo and the Little Auk’, about all of the different places where people in Scotland come from. This family animation was great for the family and led to an excellent storytelling workshop about people’s backgrounds.

May Community Meal and Volunteer Celebration

Our May community meal was dedicated to our fantastic volunteers, and while they are usually serving the community, they attended this special events as guests, looked after by CDT staff.

Attended by 40 volunteers who support all areas of the programme, from ESOL tutoring to garden upkeep, board members, Young at Heart volunteers and community meal volunteers themselves, a tasty three course meal was prepared for them by the Urban Spoon cafe.

As well as a glass of Prosecco or orange juice on arrival, volunteers also received a small gift and a certificate recognising their efforts and contributions to date before getting a chance at a sing along with karaoke late in the night.

A night of fun was had by all and goes a small way to thanking our volunteers for their hard work, and contributions to the Cranhill Community.

To all of our volunteers, thank you from the whole CDT Team for everything you have done and continue to do to support Cranhill Development Trust and local residents.

Summer Holiday Programme 2022

Who is ready for Summer 2022 ?? WE ARE ! !

We will be running our Family Holiday Programme once again during the Summer school holidays!

Registrations has now closed however if you wish to be put on the reserve list please contact reception on 0141 774 3344 or email emma@cranhilldt.org.uk

Please note that all children MUST be accompanied with an adult.

International Women’s Day

On Wednesday 9th March we celebrated International Womens Day at Cranhill Development Trust. This is an annual event, bringing together women from the community, in a positive and empowering environment to make connections, take part in activities and hear from other inspiring women.

On Wednesday 9th March we celebrated International Womens Day at Cranhill Development Trust. This is an annual event, bringing together women from the community, in a positive and empowering environment to make connections, take part in activities and hear from other inspiring women. This year we were thrilled to host motivational speakers Doreen Ssali Kakembo and Heidi Mclean from Young Women’s Movement, African Dancing, Crafts activities, Hairdressing and Spa Treatments for a well-deserved pamper.

Local Post Office Opens at CDT

We are thrilled to announce that our Local Post Office is open in the community shop at CDT, bringing vital services to the Cranhill community. Our friendly staff are ready to help you, and while you are there check out our range of fresh fruit and veg, and our popular meal in a bag.

To read more please click here: Glasgow Times News Article

Cranhill Cooks

Join us at our new weekly cooking club where we come together to cook, eat and socialise. Learn new skills, try new recipes and make new friends in a relaxed, social environment.

Call us today on 0141774334 or fill out the form below to register

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=WaUKkn_HZESHVJLHNn_U5NNBF2gIh_NMpsVVSr3gTTNURUlUQkxCT0RWTTAxOVdaT1VJODZGRTVDUC4u

CDT Receives Free Connectivity from Vodaphone

CDT is thrilled to announce that since receiving free connectivity via Vodafone’s charities.connected initiative, we have helped 100 service users to tackle digital exclusion in Cranhill. Free sim cards, loaded with data, have been used to support individuals and families in the area get online, and access vital digital services including ESOL classes.

CDT is thrilled to announce that since receiving free connectivity via Vodafone’s charities.connected initiative, we have helped 100 service users to tackle digital exclusion in Cranhill. Free sim cards, loaded with data, have been used to support individuals and families in the area get online, and access vital digital services including ESOL classes.

Emma Reynolds, Head of Communications, Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs at Vodafone UK said:

“We are committed to tackling digital exclusion. We hope that by providing free connectivity to Cranhill Development Trust and the other amazing charities across the UK who have such an enormous impact on their local communities, we can help create a more inclusive digital society. ”