Category

• Promising Local Practice

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Poverty impact

• Mitigation
• Reduction

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Poverty driver

• Provide benefit in-kind (material)
• Provide benefit in-kind (experience)
• Increase income from benefits

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Keywords

• Community
• Activities
• Wellbeing
• Aid
• Hub

Aim

To provide a consistent, inclusive community space that fosters relationships and relieves the effects of poverty and isolation.
To promote community ownership by supporting residents to “grow out of the Hub"–first as participants, then as volunteers or activity hosts.

Summary

Pollokshaws Community Hub and Garden offers a variety of community-based activities to foster a sense of camaraderie within the Pollokshaws area. These activities include a community meal every Monday, practical skills classes such as woodworking and sewing, and programmes focused on personal health development. Additionally, the Hub provides support for individuals facing wellbeing challenges, offering them a safe space to discuss their issues and receive assistance. To alleviate the effects of poverty, the Hub helps individuals to complete forms for benefit payments and provides food to those in need.

What difference does it make?

The Pollokshaws Community Hub has made a meaningful and lasting difference to the lives of people in the G43 area and beyond. It has created a trusted, welcoming space where individuals feel part of a community, something especially valuable in the context of ongoing gentrification and rising living costs. By offering weekly community meals and emergency food support, the Hub has helped to alleviate food insecurity. Its wellbeing services have supported people experiencing isolation, mental health challenges, and financial stress, providing both a listening ear and practical help, such as assistance with benefit forms. The Hub’s consistent presence has built strong local relationships. Volunteers and staff often notice when regular attendees are absent and will check in with them, reinforcing a sense of belonging and care. Many volunteers are former service users, showing the Hub’s role in building confidence, skills, and connection.

Key take-aways

• Empower participants to shape and lead activities–they know what their community needs
• Use an asset‑based approach: build on local skills, volunteer strengths, and existing networks
• Recruit and support community champions to foster trust and reduce stigma
• Co‑design programmes using participatory planning and adapt through continuous learning
• Co‑produce services through active partnerships with local funders, organisations and residents

 

Organisations

Pollokshaws Area Network (PAN)

Location

The G43 postcode area.

Contact