A MUCH-LOVED day care centre run by Glasgow’s Golden Generation in the West End is to close.
However, managers at the charity say the decision to sell the Fred Paton Centre is a "vital step" and will not mean the end of services for older people in the area.
Senior business development officer Sandy Welsh said: “We are keen to reassure people this is about expanding our services, not reducing them.”
Glasgow’s Golden Generation – formerly Glasgow’s Old People’s Welfare Association, formed in 1948 - has unveiled an ambitious five-year plan to modernise and expand its support for older people across the city and the surrounding areas.
Its new strategy “prioritises delivering support within the heart of communities, directly into homes and through online services.”
Sandy said a recent financial review revealed “decisive” action was required to protect the charity’s services.
“We realised that because of its location in the West End, there is significant value in the Fred Paton Centre,” he said. “By selling it, we can use the capital to expand our reach into other communities and deliver services where they are needed the most.
“There will be no job losses as a result of the centre being sold.”
The Fred Paton Centre is a much-valued community hub, named in honour of a respected local activist who was dedicated to improving the lives of older people in Glasgow.
In 1963, he served as director and secretary of Glasgow Old People’s Welfare Committee, where he played a key role in advocating for better support services.
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It was Fred’s vision to establish dedicated services for older people in the area, and since then, the centre has provided a welcoming space for older residents to access essential services, participate in social activities and build meaningful connections.
GGG says it “remains fully committed” to identifying a suitable alternative location within the West End of Glasgow, which will be called The Fred Paton Hub in recognition of Fred’s “dedication and lasting impact”.
Fiona Hird, chief executive officer of GGG, said: “For decades, the Fred Paton Centre has been a valued community hub, and we are immensely proud of its legacy.
“This strategic shift allows us to reinvest significant resources into impactful, innovative services that meet people where they are – at home, in their neighbourhoods or online.
“GGG is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for current Fred Paton Centre users, working closely with them to identify alternative support options and maintain continuity of support."
She added: "This decision marks a vital step in transforming service delivery, enabling the charity to support more older people than ever before. GGG looks forward to forging new partnerships and exploring innovative ways to enhance the lives of older people across Glasgow.”
As part of a transition period, to ensure continuity of support for those who currently use the Fred Paton Centre, members will continue to be picked up from their homes and taken to the charity’s David Cargill Centre in Battlefield.
Anyone with questions or concerns about the arrangements is encouraged to speak to a member of staff or call 0141 221 9924, selecting option two.
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