Scottish Labour's Pam Duncan-Glancy has written to the Scottish Government re-iterating her ask for it to take action amid concern that some of Partick Thistle Community Trust’s programmes are under threat as a result of local authority funding decisions.
The Glasgow regional MSP put the question directly to the both the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government back in January at which point the Scottish Government undertook to look into the issue, but it has not yet provided any further update.
The Accepting Activity programme run by the trust provides support for homeless people, refugees and asylum seekers and people with ill mental health. The project provides a space for people to come together, play football and get a hot meal. The trust also provides space for women to come together helping to eliminate barriers to participation by encouraging parents to bring their children along with them.
Commenting, Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP said:
"The work that Partick Thistle Community Trust does for people in Glasgow is absolutely invaluable.
“I have had the pleasure of meeting with participants of the Accepting Activity Programme and was delighted to host them in parliament this year. The impact the programme has had on their lives is clear to see, and they all attributed their ability to overcome challenges, make lifelong friends and improved wellbeing to the work of the Trust and its staff.
"I have seen first-hand how Partick Thistle Community Trust has changed lives and provided support when it’s participants didn’t know where else to turn. Those involved have told me it feels like a family.
"The current funding situation is disheartening. Losing local authority funding coupled with increased operating costs is threatening the fantastic work that’s happening out at Petershill Park and I am determined to do all I can to prevent that.
“I hope the Scottish Government will consider this issue fully and do everything in its power to ensure these programmes and others like them are protected.”
ENDS
19th January 2023 Question to Nicola Sturgeon
Pam Duncan-Glancy (Glasgow) (Lab) Yesterday in Parliament, I met a group of people from Partick Thistle Charitable Trust’s “Accepting activity” programme. Every day, the programme supports homeless people, refugees, asylum seekers and people who are living with mental ill health. The group told me that the project has been a lifeline and, quoting their late friend, they said that it is often the reason why they believe in the goodness of others. They also told me that the trust is facing unprecedented energy costs and they worry that it will no longer be able to provide its current support without more help. Is there anything that the First Minister can do, and will she work with me to help them? The First Minister (Nicola Sturgeon) I understand that the issue was raised with the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government, Shona Robison, at committee today and that she has undertaken to look into the issue and to write to Pam Duncan-Glancy. I suggest that that is the appropriate way to proceed for now.
