Glasgow City Mission

This morning I was provided with an escorted tour of Glasgow City Mission.


 The Mission operates on a Christian ethos (multi-denominational). It was founded by one David Nasmith in Glasgow 200 years ago and has since evolved into a global organisation including North America.Key objective is to help disadvantaged people (mainly homeless) in  practical manner without coercion.

A recent press report mentioned that more than 900 people claimed to be sleeping rough in the city during 2024. However, my guide suggested this large number included rough sleepers, sofa sleepers and those in temporary accommodation.Analysis has revealed there exist about thirty 'hard core' rough sleepers on the streets in the city.

Here is more information in bullet format:

  • Current property has been owned outright since 2009.
  • Guests are of all faiths and none. Most are male, white British.
  • The Mission provides help with language education, e.g. English for Ukrainians and Afghans.
  • There is a sister charity in Govan (also part of Glasgow), which is a Child and Family Centre focusing on families and persons under 18 years of age.
  • To wean guests off the street and into standard accommodation takes time and requires careful management.
  • Whilst the Glasgow City Council has a legal responsibility to house the homeless a room in a cheap hotel or B&B can exacerbate existing mental health problems.To overcome isolation the Mission encourages relationship building via communal lunches and dinners with up to 80 at the former and 100 at the latter. There is usually one staff member at each table.
  • In regard to addiction, Glasgow has the worst statistics for deaths in Europe.The charity operates a structured drug addiction team to assist with rehabilitation.
  • To help move guests into employment the Mission provides help with CVs and interview skills.
  • Activities such as organised hill walking help to provide a positive experience and expose guests to a world outside the close confines of an inner city territory.
  • As will be evidenced by the images below the Mission has excellent facilities for it's guests.
  • In terms of non-financial donations the Mission would like the following:
    • Socks
    • Gloves
    • Boxer shorts.
    • Diluting Juice
    • Tea
    • Coffee
    • Sugar.

Painting tuition.


 Painting Tuition

Gym Facilities


 Music Facilities

 


 Recreational Area

 

Overall, a very impressive organisation providing vital support to the homeless. 

Addendum, Jan 12th 2025.

The Glasgow Herald reported that:

  • 11 out of Scotland's 32 local authorities have admitted breaching the law that ensures the homeless are offered at least temporary accommodation at least once.
  • Glasgow, Scotland's biggest city which declared a housing emergency in November 2023, registered the highest number of breaches at 6260 in 2023/4 compared to just 4 in the previous year.
  • The Regulator found in 2020 that the Council failed in its legal duties to homeless people by failing to ensure there was enough suitable temporary accommodation for them before the coronavirus pandemic.

More information for the visitor

More information on Glasgow, Scottish history, architecture, culture, etc., can be found in the Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This publication is also available via Kindle.

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