Govan walking group hailed as a highlight of the week by Care Home Residents
A Govan social enterprise has partnered with a local care home to provide much-needed exercise, stimulation and entertainment for residents.
Article Source: Oakminster Healthcare
Last Updated: 11 September 2024 14:00
‘Meet Me in Govan’, a project by Invisible Cities, hosts weekly walks which have become a staple in the wellbeing calendar for the residents of Florence House. Every week residents from the care home take part in the walks, which are open to residents and community members, exploring the rich history the area has to offer. Trips have previously included the Govan Stones, Govan Shipyards and Elder Park.
Residents from Florence House view the group walking activity as a highlight in their weekly wellbeing calendar as it provides the residents with a regular link back to community, social interactions and gives them a chance to meet other people who live – and visit – the community.
Jennifer, aged 54, resident from Florence House said: “I really look forward to going to the Meet Me in Govan walks every week, for a lot of us it’s become the highlight of our week.
“We love getting out into the community and reconnecting with the places we’ve grown up and made memories in, and the added benefit is getting a chance to meet with other people on the tours – usually people with interesting and different backgrounds from us.
“Come rain or shine the walks go ahead; when it’s nice outside we tend to go round some of the historic sights in Govan and when it's raining – which in Glasgow is more often than not - we still manage to meet with the group and do a walk but it’ll be inside. We’ve done The Glasgow Science Centre and Sunny Govan Radio tours in the past when it’s been raining.”
The close partnership between Florence House and Invisible Cities was highlighted when Meet me in Govan celebrated its second anniversary at the care home, with celebrations including birthday cake, party hats, balloons, as well as lots of laughs.
Meet Me in Govan is a project run by Invisible Cities in collaboration with Govan Community Project, providing guided walks around the local area. The walks are filled with titbits of information, entertaining stories and importantly a genuine community connection.
The guides who lead the walking groups, ‘Walk Leaders’, come from socially disadvantaged backgrounds and have experienced vulnerabilities including homelessness.
Invisible Cities who run the local Meet Me in Govan project, provide training programmes designed to lift the recruits out of social hardship and provide them with a job and an active role in society.
Michaela Ditrichova from Invisible Cities said: “We recognise how important our walking groups are for the local community in Govan.
“Consistency is the key - for many people coming along on a regular basis it’s one of the only sociable touchpoints they have throughout their week, and we know from feedback how valuable it is to those who attend.
“In just two years we have provided walks for over 600 people, I'm really proud of that. We are keeping the rich history of Govan front and centre of Glasgow’s heritage while providing entertaining, sociable experiences for people in the community and people who want to learn about the community.”
The Meet Me in Govan walks cover a range of topics on a six-week rotation, including: housing, work, culture and community, youth and education, immigration and languages, and sports and wellbeing.
Established in 2022, Meet Me in Govan is part of the Invisible Neighbourhoods programme in collaboration with the Govan Community Project.
Aileas Pringle, Community Development Worker, Govan Community Project said: “Our walking group has not only been incredibly important for telling Govan’s history, it has also been a valuable space to bring together diverse members of the community, who might not otherwise meet one another, to share their stories. The walks are incredibly important to our community members, and we are thrilled at the positive impact they are having on the regular walkers.”
Florence House is part of the Oakminster Healthcare Group which owns and operates five care homes across Glasgow.
Florence House offers nursing and residential care and has specialists available to support those living with dementia, who need palliative care, respite care and those under the age of 65 who require care home support.
The home can provide care for 55 residents with a range of care requirements.
For further information please visit: oakminsterhealthcare.co.uk
For further information on the Meet Me in Govan programme visit: invisible-cities.org
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Celtic Connections brought surprise morning gigs to coffee shops across Glasgow at the weekend
Celtic Connections surprised Saturday morning coffee goers with live pop-up gigs across Glasgow, bringing emerging artists into unexpected spaces.
READ MORE
Panto Pays: festive theatre season delivers economic boost
As part of Glasgow 850's Get You In Panto Town celebration, new figures reveal the significant economic contribution of Glasgow's beloved pantomime season to the city's economy.
READ MORE
Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza
If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!
READ MORE
The oldest bar and restaurant in Glasgow unveils spectacular makeover
Sloans, has unveiled a spectacular festive transformation following a £300,000 investment that has reinvented the 228-year-old venue inside and out.
READ MORE
Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue
There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.
READ MORE
Is Glasgow Green Santa the coolest in the UK
Some visitors reckon that Santa's cousin who is currently in residence at Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green is the coolest of Santas.
READ MORE
Toys the season to be Jolly! Kids in Glasgow can win the entire DreamToys list this Christmas
Children in Glasgow are in for a festive treat this year, as a number of local retailers have announced they will be giving away all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.
READ MORE
Trust calls for the home of Scottish football to be saved from an own goal
National Trust for Scotland has added its voice to those seeking assurances about the preservation of the first ever Hampden Park in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Cocktails and Champagne at new Luss Distillery
The newly opened Luss Distillery has announced its first events ahead of the festive season.
READ MORE
Glasgow shoppers slow down for a calmer Black Friday at The Social Hub
Glasgow shoppers embraced “slow shopping” as The Social Hub hosted its Rethink Black Friday market, offering a calm alternative that spotlighted local makers.
READ MORE
Tis the season: Meet Home Alone inspired characters at Glasgow Fort
Christmas is in full swing at Glasgow Fort, with festive character visits, the Christmas market and family activities now underway to help get shoppers of all ages into the festive spirit.
READ MORE
Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025
Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.
READ MORE
First Scottish KENJI store now open at Silverburn
East Asian-inspired lifestyle brand KENJI has opened the doors to its first Scottish store as it joins the impressive brand lineup at Silverburn.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life
Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.
READ MORE
Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas
Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.
READ MORE
Breakout Scots star urges young people to discover new artists IRL at Celtic Connections coffee pop ups
Katie Gregson-MacLeod is urging young Glaswegians to discover new music IRL as Celtic Connections brings free pop-up gigs to Patricia's x SLB, Through The House and Black Pine this Saturday.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Calum Bowie gives Barrowland call up to 2 rising stars for landmark 5th December show
Calum Bowie has invited two fresh local talents to support him at his upcoming landmark show in December at The Barrowlands!
READ MORE
Partick Film Festival returns in January with special anniversary screening of Rob Roy
Partick Film Festival returns in January with a range of events including a special 30th anniversary screening of Rob Roy, followed by a Q&A with the director Michael Caton-Jones.
READ MORE
Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience
This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity Ambassadog Baxter leads the way at Santa Dash 2025
Beatson Cancer Charity is thrilled to announce that our Ambassadog, Baxter, will be taking part in this year's Santa Dash on Sunday 7th December!
READ MORE
Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORE
From The Gannet to Eleven Fifty Five: Peter McKenna announces new Argyle Street restaurant
Peter McKenna, chef-owner of The Gannet in Glasgow, along with Kevin Dow, are set to open a new restaurant, Eleven Fifty Five, in its place in Finnieston early next year.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort to welcome new Mexican restaurant this week
Mezcal, the lively Mexican street-food restaurant, is set to open its doors at Glasgow Fort on Wednesday 26th November, bringing even more choice for visitors ahead of the festive period.
READ MORE
Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland
Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.
READ MORE
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time returns to Glasgow in March 2027
A brand-new staging of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time based on the internationally celebrated novel comes to Glasgow's Theatre Royal in March 2027!
READ MORE
MINISO is coming to Buchanan Street... get ready to explore!
Global lifestyle sensation MINISO is set to bring its signature blend of joy, creativity, and affordable design to Buchanan Street, with a brand-new store opening on 26th November!
READ MORE
Black Friday Savings at Buchanan Galleries
Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow is abuzz with Black Friday deals, offering shoppers incredible discounts across a wide range of products – from fashion and footwear to jewellery, beauty, and homeware.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links