Glasgow's Linkes charity in BBC Children in Need cash boost

Linkes, which is based at the high-rise flats in Lincoln Avenue, was awarded a three-year grant from BBC's Children in Need.

The charity received a massive £97,500 in funding - the highest of any Glasgow group awarded this year - as part of the initiative's more than £330,000 donation to groups supporting disadvantaged children and young people across the city.

Heather McGill-Crawford, the charity's children and youth development worker, said the cash will allow staff to focus on the children rather than the need for funding.

She said: "It's great getting the Children in Need money because it means we know for the next three years exactly what we're doing.

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"It lets us work with about 600 kids a year and it can be a busy year so, having that money just lets us relax and play with the kids rather than worrying about where the next funding is coming from."

The charity runs summer sessions, after-school clubs, and lunchtime events in schools across the area.

After a difficult 18 months, trying to engage its young people via Zoom, the cash has allowed the group to finally organise some fun, outdoor activities now restrictions are beginning to ease.

So far, the youngsters have already taken part in a tree-climbing event while day trips are also planned for Glasgow Green and Calderglen Country Park.

Each week the kids also gather at Corpus Christi Primary for fun-filled activity sessions on Tuesday and Wednesdays.

"It lets them get out of the house and have some fun," Heather said.

"We do a lot of arts and crafts, there are sports, they basically just do what they like and we're here if they need us.

"They love the freedom they get with us and, the good thing is, we're based in the flats so even when we're not in a session, they still see us around and can pop in for a chat whenever they like."

Elaine Connelly, senior community development Worker at Linkes added: “As a community-led project, our core purpose is to provide learning and wellbeing opportunities for all members of the local community, including children, young people and families who may need that extra support.

"Our sessions promote community inclusion and long-term integration and increase wellbeing for children and young people."

Over the past year, BBC Children in Need has delivered two Appeals to help make a difference to children and young people facing disadvantage whose lives have been made even harder as a result of the pandemic.

Simon Antrobus, chief executive of BBC Children in Need, said: “After a year of immense challenge and uncertainty, we’re proud to be awarding funding to local projects which will provide a lifeline and help children and young people facing disadvantage navigate through the lasting impact of the pandemic.

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"At a time when children and young people need us most, thanks must go to our remarkable supporters without whom none of these awards would be possible."