IF YOU need a little inspiration for how to get involved in the Evening Times Streets Ahead campaign, take a leaf out of the books of Glasgow’s schoolchildren.

The mighty pupils, parents and staff of the city’s schools and nurseries have been at the heart of our awardwinning initiative, which is supported by Glasgow City Council, City Charitable Trust and City Building, since it started in 2011.

Every year, they come up with brilliant, bold and bright ideas to bring their communities together.

Leading the way in Thornliebank are the tots and teachers of the Jimmy Dunnachie Family Learning Centre.

Acting team leader Julie McCallum explains: “We are very proud of the community projects we have on the go at the centre.

“It is really important to us to be at the heart of our community.”

Every week, children from Jimmy Dunnachie visit the Rainbow Centre in Carnwadric Church, where they meet up with some of the day care centre’s regular visitors.

The intergenerational project started as a pilot scheme to build relationships in the community, and was only intended as an occasional visit with the pre-school age children.

“It was so popular and so successful that we are now there every week,” smiles Julie.

“The children love it – they get the chance to sing, and colour in, and play games with the older visitors.

“It’s all about chatting and sharing things together, whether it’s LEGO or just music and conversation.”

She adds: “The aim is to establish links with the older generation of the local community as research has shown that these interactions are of great benefit for everyone.

“It helps the children learn social skills and build up their learning, as they tap into the vast reserves of knowledge older people share with them.”

Julie says the feedback from staff at the Rainbow Centre, which helps older people who may have physical or mental health issues, mobility problems or who are trying to cope with loneliness or isolation, has been very positive too.

“They tell us that the children’s visits encourage their members to engage in conversation and take part in tasks that challenge their own physical abilities, almost as if they have forgotten their own particular difficulties,” says Julie. “The enjoyment on their faces when the children are around is fantastic.”

Day centre visitors also popped down to the Jimmy Dunnachie Centre recently, where the children and staff held a tea party in their honour.

“The children baked, made sandwiches and served our guests whilst they were here,” smiles Julie. “It was great.”

The centre also runs an innovative parent support project, called Time Out Tots.

“Local parents can access childcare for between four and six hours a week at a reduced rate, in our family room, and we also provide advice on training and securing employment,” says Julie. “The aim is to help parents in our community who don’t have the support of extended family to build connections and build up skills.

“ It’s a great initiative and we are hoping to develop it, as we feel it’s a crucial service.”

One of the parents who attended Time Out Tots with her child has now gone on to become a qualified Child Development Officer.

“She credits the Time Out Tots service as her gateway back into education and employment as it helped to build her confidence and self-esteem,” says Julie. “It got her to a point where she was able to put herself forward for things she previously thought were unattainable.”

Tell us what your school or nursery is doing in your community to improve the local area for everyone. We want to hear from schools and groups and individuals all over Glasgow who are working hard to make their area Streets Ahead. Get in touch by emailing streetsahead@heraldandtimes.co.uk or calling 0141 302 6555. You can find out more about Streets Ahead projects on our website www.eveningtimes.co.uk