A NEW youth hub in the East End is to open next month – and it’s hoped it will tackle inequality in the city. 

The Wee Dander (Dennistoun Action Neighbourhood Development Enterprise and Regeneration) centre is to offer kids from all different backgrounds a safe, welcoming space full of games, laughter, and informal education. 

Based in the Alexandra Park Sports Hub and backed by the Milnbank Housing Association, volunteers from all walks of life will do their bit to support the East End’s young people. 

READ MORE: Easterhouse Blairtummock Park pond is an 'accident waiting to happen'

For founder Holly McGinlay, a support for learning teaching at Carntyne Primary School, the needs of those involved will be at the heart of everything the Wee Dander does. 

“I speak to kids all the time at the school and a lot of them talk about being bored and their being nothing to do,” Holly, who lives in Riddrie, said. 

“Why do other areas have stuff when we don’t? 

“That made me want to take everything they have proposed to me and to try to provide it. 

“This will be a space where people can do whatever they want.

“We’ll ask the young people and then work to provide it. If this is art, or skateboarding, then we’ll do what we can. 

“It shouldn’t be about what we want to do, but what the young people want to do.” 

When the centre opens on September 1, kids from all across the East End will be welcome to head along for free. 

Glasgow Times: Founder Holly McGinlay Founder Holly McGinlay

Holly said: “We want to be there for the whole community and for everyone. Even if it’s just a safe space for people to come along and speak to us, we hope it will help.

“It’ll hopefully be like a domino effect and we can help keep kids on the right path.” 

READ MORE: Claims bosses at Glasgow Ivy 'kept tips' as Unite hit out

Holly, 32, added: “I wanted to raise the money to provide skateboards as I felt it shouldn’t matter where you come from. You should it be able to enjoy what we do. 

“We’ve been running a GoFundMe page, which has raised more than £500, and we need to give a special mention to the Friends of the People’s Palace. They donated £500 and we’ll be including their logo on the boards.”

To donate to the fundraiser, visit the GoFundMe page. 

Got an East End story? Get in touch at jack.haugh@newsquest.co.uk or join our East End Community Group Facebook page.