Charity continuing to grow with new scheme

A Cumbernauld charity has opened a new training centre within the clubhouse of Palacerigg Golf Course.
Launch of the Bungalow Project at Watch US Grow (l-r) Emma Walker (NL Leisure), Cllr Tom Fisher (chairman of Watch US Grow), Cllr Jim Logue (leader of North Lanarkshire Council), Ann McCulloch (Watch US Grow), Dylan Farry and James Parks.Launch of the Bungalow Project at Watch US Grow (l-r) Emma Walker (NL Leisure), Cllr Tom Fisher (chairman of Watch US Grow), Cllr Jim Logue (leader of North Lanarkshire Council), Ann McCulloch (Watch US Grow), Dylan Farry and James Parks.
Launch of the Bungalow Project at Watch US Grow (l-r) Emma Walker (NL Leisure), Cllr Tom Fisher (chairman of Watch US Grow), Cllr Jim Logue (leader of North Lanarkshire Council), Ann McCulloch (Watch US Grow), Dylan Farry and James Parks.

Watch Us Grow provides people with disabilities and mental health issues the skills and confidence to reach their potential through various jobs in the garden.

The Bungalow Project is the result of a partnership between the charity, North Lanarkshire Leisure (NLL) and North Lanarkshire Council.

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Watch US Grow general manager Ann McCulloch believes the bungalow will enhance the range of activities they offer.

She said: “We’ll provide a range of training for our students in basic cookery and home keeping skills, resulting in a formal qualification.”

Courses will be delivered by further education staff, and other plans include developing a stargazing group, cinema and photography clubs and a knitters and stitchers group.

Watch US Grow chairman Councillor Tom Fisher said: “Over the years we have consistently developed new initiatives to enable our students to participate more fully within the local community, creating paid employment within our social enterprise activities.

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“This fantastic opportunity only happened due to the partnership approach we’ve adopted and the support of NLL and the council.”

NLL is leasing the bungalow to the charity and managing director Emma Walker explains it fits with the organisation’s commitment to ensure facilities are used by as many people as possible.

She said: “Our aim is to encourage people to live healthy lifestyles and ensure there are no barriers to enjoying the benefits of healthy living activities – that’s why we were so keen to work with Watch US Grow.

“We only started planning the Bungalow Project in January and its incredible what has been achieved – I’d like to thank everyone who played their part in making this a success.”

NLL has also provided work-placements for students in grounds maintenance.