South West GCPP gather

Words and Photograph by Stuart Maxwell

Glasgow South West Community Planning Partnership (GSWCPP) gathered on Tuesday 21 September for an annual conference where, with members of the local community present, they reviewed successes of the past year.

The Partnership brings together representatives from public, private, community and voluntary organisations in order to improve public services.

Held at the Palace of Art in Bellahouston Park, the Board gathered, said Lawrence O’Neil, who is Engagement Network Co-ordinator, ‘ to look back over the past year and give local people the chance to come along and talk with those involved in the service.’

He added: ‘In essence we’ve always tried to involve the community. The meeting – not to blow our own trumpet – was about the positive things the South West Partnership has achieved over the past year.’

Lawrence gave the example of a manwho came to the organisation recently. ‘He was 55  and had worked as a painter and decorator but had been out of work for the past few years. He thought he was too old to get another job.

‘Through the South West Regeneration Agency – which is represented on the Partnership board – this man got work experience in the catering industry, something he had always wanted to do. Now he has a paid job. This is much better than simply helping someone get their benefits.’

The annual conference also introduced Superintendent Ciorstan Shearer, the new representative on the board for Strathclyde Police, following the retirement of Kevin Duffy, who,   said Lawrence: ‘Is away to put his feet up somewhere.’

Set up in 2004, the Partnership  has five themes. These are: a working Glasgow, a learning Glasgow, a vibrant Glasgow, a healthy Glasgow and a safe Glasgow. Run by the Glasgow City Council, the South West Partnership is one of five such local groups across the city.

Contact your local local community planning Partnership group at www.glasgowcpp.org.uk/