A £3,000 grant from Merchants House has been awarded to The Safety Zone, a youth group and community project based in Bargeddie, a village just east of Glasgow in North Lanarkshire.

The grant will help ensure continued free access to fresh fruit for those using the service and will sustain The Safety Zone’s healthy cooking classes, equipping families with the skills and confidence to prepare nutritious, affordable meals.

A representative from The Safety Zone said:
“This support represents a significant step forward in addressing the long-standing health challenges faced by our community, which ranks in the bottom 10% for health outcomes according to the 2020 Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). By improving access to healthy food and fostering healthier habits, we aim to positively impact the wellbeing of everyone who visits The Safety Zone. We are immensely grateful to Merchants House for partnering with us in our mission to create a healthier future for Bargeddie.”

The Safety Zone is the only staffed community facility for young people in the area outside of schools. Its work has evolved over the years to respond to changing local needs and it now provides a broad range of activities and services, including:

• Parent and toddler groups
• Children’s and youth groups, from early school years through to school leavers
• Support for adults through Routes to Work, the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Credit Union and local councillors’ surgeries
• Weekly activities such as dance, gymnastics and martial arts classes
• Programmes for older people and supported adults
• An IT suite used for literacy and computer skills, homework, further and higher education assignments, and social activities

Supporting children and young people remains the organisation’s main focus. The Safety Zone aims to promote positive choices, helping young people to achieve their potential and develop into confident, responsible adults. Through targeted activities, the organisation enhances social, physical and educational wellbeing, while offering a safe and supportive environment away from harmful influences.

Images all courtesy of The Safety Zone Facebook page.