Celebrating 25 years of serving ethnic minority communities in some of Glasgow’s most deprived areas
For the last quarter of a century, The Well Multi-Cultural Resource Centre (The Well) has been providing a high quality information and advice service for ethnic minority communities in Govanhill and surrounding areas containing datazones among the most deprived 5% in Scotland (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation). The need for this service was exposed due to a ‘needs survey’ carried out by the Church of Scotland in the early 1990s as it wished to serve the growing Pakistani community in its parish in the best possible way.
On 23 March 1994, the advice centre began and it immediately attracted men an
d women with a wide range of issues from income deprivation and English language difficulties to social isolation and integration struggles.
Twenty five years on, The Well still draws a flow of local people, many of whom have come to love the centre and its hospitality. Last year The Well had over 6000 visitors for one-to-one advice consultations. Over the years, services have expanded to include group activities from English and IT classes to a women’s Chai and Chat group and a mother and toddler group. These activities have proven to be invaluable in building people’s social networks, confidence and skills, as well as integrating a community that now has over 50 spoken languages!
Amina*, one of the women who have benefitted from The Well’s services said:
“It is because of The Well that I have the confidence to do what I’m doing. You changed my life.”
The Well’s Manager, Rhoda Gilfillan, said:
“Thanks to The Well’s amazing volunteers, supporters and donors, The Well has impacted thousands of people like Amina over the last 25 years. Since becoming an independent charity in 2011, The Well relies more than ever on individuals with a passion for showing love and care to our neighbours from around the world to support its work.”
For our 25th anniversary we are asking people to consider pledging £25 to allow us to continue this vital work.
A donation of £25 can provide:
- Heating and electricity for the centre for 2 days
- A qualified playworker to support young mothers for 2 hours
- A training day for one of our volunteers
To donate now, please visit Support The Well
Over the course of this year, there will be several events to celebrate The Well’s 25 anniversary. Keep an eye on www.thewell.org.uk or follow The Well on Facebook.
*Name changed for confidentiality
English (UK) 
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