LIFE saving services are being highlighted on a new interactive map created by East End volunteers.

 

It has been developed by Greater Easterhouse Alcohol Awareness Partnership and Future City Glasgow.

One of the volunteers behind the project is Walter Brown who credits the charity with helping him quit alcohol and as a result, saving his life.

Walter, 55, who now works as a sustainable recovery worker with the group, is working with Easterhouse residents to pass on helpful information.

They have developed a website which allows people with alcohol issues find help, take up healthy past-times, meet new people and learn new skills.

Walter said: "When I started on my own journey of recovery I had absolutely no idea what services were out there or even what help I wanted.

"Recovery and reintegration into the community were alien concepts to me. So when years later, I was given the opportunity to establish a database of services at GEAAP I could immediately see the benefits for people in recovery."

Future City Glasgow, which is led by the city council, is a £24million programme showing how technology can make life in Glasgow smarter, safer and more sustainable. It is led by Glasgow City Council

Services added to the GEAAP map so far include recovery, homelessness and housing support, volunteering and learning opportunities, libraries, arts and drama, clubs, health and wellbeing and sports clubs.

City council leader Gordon Matheson said: "It's amazing that a mapping project like this could literally help save lives by highlighting support services and diversionary activities.

"It's fantastic volunteers are getting involved and sharing their own knowledge to highlight clubs and services. It shows great community spirit when people donate their time and energy to a project like this. Those taking part are also learning useful IT skills which are always an asset."

Walter started his low tech map with pins and a wall map but when Future City Glasgow got involved the project stepped up a level.

Volunteers have so far mapped 250 services, facilities and clubs and the information is now available online and can be accessed and updated remotely.

Walter said: "I am immensely proud to have been involved in this project and have absolutely no doubt that it will support individuals on their recovery now and long into the future."

View the GEAAP Community Map at http://open.glasgow.gov.uk/community/