A Glasgow charity has been ‘keeping families going’ with a life-changing wellbeing programme.  

PEEK, based in the East End of the city, has delivered food, fuel, clothing and household items through its wellbeing programme in a bid to alleviate the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on households.

The charity’s Winter Warmer campaign has also supported 15 schools and nurseries by providing warm jackets and wellies to children.

Glasgow Times:

Monica McDougall, communications and engagement coordinator, said: “We are supporting so many people right now through our wellbeing programme.

“There are different projects within our programme, all of which help those struggling in our local area.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing cost-of-living crisis has had a significant impact on the identity of PEEK and our wellbeing programme has grown significantly because of it.

“In the last 12 months, we have seen a 38% increase in children and young people attend our programmes. We have also increased our reach and engagement with parents/carers and families across all our programmes, including the wellbeing programme, by 293%

“Our wellbeing programme has grown with increased staffing and referral partners, responding to a wide range of crisis support calls, on top of regular day-to-day activities.”

READ NEXT: Glasgow family to 'finally grieve' loss of Celtic daft son

In last December alone, PEEK’s wellbeing programme helped delivered 1225 new winter jackets, 700 wellies, 3175 Christmas Gifts, 150 children and young people receiving direct support via Clyde Cash for Kids (£35-100 grants to cover food, fuel, clothing and essentials), 300 families received food shopping vouchers, fuel top ups and household items, 200 families receiving Christmas Dinner recipe boxes (3-course meal & basic food essentials), and 300 children and young people experienced a festive trip.

Glasgow Times:

The programme has helped families across the city feel ‘special’ and allowed children to be more social.

One parent using the service said: “With the way things are going, families are very fortunate to have PEEK who help with most aspects and keep people going.”

Another added: "PEEK makes my family feel special. Even though there are loads of families they make time for everyone.”

A third parent said: “My son never talks to anyone at clubs or anything. He’s normally clinging to my leg and not leaving me alone. I can’t believe he’s made a wee best friend here.”

Glasgow Times:

The charity was announced as a finalist for the Glasgow Times community champion awards, which will take place on Tuesday, December 5.

They are nominated in the Health and Wellbeing category after winning in their heat for the North East of the city.

READ NEXT: Glasgow mental health advocate calls for education

Reflecting on the achievement, Monica said: “We are absolutely buzzing to be nominated for our wellbeing programme.

“We are delighted to be in the final, it just means so much to us.

“It would be a great point of recognition for us as a charity to win the award. Our wellbeing team is so small and we’re always so busy.

“The team are fairly new so we would be overjoyed if we won. It would be a good show of everything we’ve done.”

Glasgow Times:

PEEK first opened back in 2000 to transform the lives of children, young people and families impacted by poverty in Glasgow.

For more information, click HERE

The Glasgow Community Champion Awards are run by the Glasgow Times in partnership with Glasgow City Council, Wheatley Glasgow, Trades House Glasgow and Merck.