A new group for men that’s launched in the Burnhill area of Rutherglen provides the opportunity to meet up and learn practical skills.
Taking place at The High Backs, Burnhills Mending Minds is aimed at men of all ages. As well as helping build confidence and learning something new, those who attend will also be able to share their own skills, knowledge and experiences with other men.
The group is being led by local man Tony Mcdonald, after he was persuaded by his sister Elizabeth Mcdonald to get involved.
Elizabeth, who is known as Lizzy, is lead volunteer at The High Backs, which recently gained charity status.
The High Backs team formed following a clean-up of the vacant site in Burnhill four years ago. A number of timber sheds have since been built on the multi-purpose space, as well as a coffee hut, a stage and community gardens.
Lizzy said: “It was an abandoned bit of land where people were fly-tipping. I volunteered with the clean-up group which started off with eight kids, myself and another volunteer.
“It’s phenomenal and just blows me away, it’s massive now in the space of four years.
“Myself and another six volunteers run different groups. We’re just trying to get word out as best we can on what we do.”
The men’s group recently held an open night to bounce ideas for activities and according to Tony, those who attend will guide that themselves.
The 35-year-old who’s been in charge of the running of Rutherglen Glencairn 20s football team for years will be supported behind the scenes by his sibling when necessary.
He said: “There’s nothing like this in the Burnhill area, it’s a deprived area and there’s a lot of people struggling with drink and drugs.
“We have joiners, electricians and plumbers interested in coming down to help us, they will share and teach their skills – practical skills.
“It’s also about getting people out and talking to others. Wee things can make a big difference.
“I spoke to one guy who’s been waiting six months for an appointment (NHS) to talk about his mental health, so he’s coming along.
“We want to get as many men involved as we can. We had four in the first week then 12 to 14 the following week. We’ve got people from the ages of 18 to 64 already coming along.”
The charity recently secured £6000 of funding through South Lanarkshire Council’s participatory budget votes.
Preparations are underway to build a new hut at The High Backs to host the men’s group and its activities, such as joinery, garden maintenance and cycling.
“Right now we have funding for a big hut for the men – a working man’s shed that’s going to be 8m by 4.2m, so it’s massive,” Tony added.
The men’s group has come up with a logo and the motto; “Always here to lend an ear”.
The group is looking to support men who may be facing mental health or addiction issues, isolation, as well as those who might just need to get out of the house or socialise.
“It will get them out the house for few hours with like-minded people,” said Lizzy. “Some think it’s going to be like ‘kumbaya’ round a camp fire sharing your stories.
“But it’s definitely not that – conversations happen naturally. And skill sharing gives people starting points for conversations.
“Groups like these are worth their weight in gold. It is open to anyone from any area and it’s is a safe space for them to come to.”
Meetings take place on Tuesday evenings from 7pm at The High Backs, 23 Penman Ave, Rutherglen, Glasgow G73 1HP.
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