The Garnethill Community Meal was suggested to Greencity as a potential recipient of our monthly charitable donation. We were so impressed with the work they do right in the heart of the city we were more than happy to provide them with a chunk of healthy wholefoods to help support their weekly Community Meal and Multicultural Food Hub. I spoke to Roque from the organisation who explained a little bit more about the wonderful work they do there.
1. Tell us about how it all started and a little more about the Garnethill Community Meal?
The Community Meal organised by the Central and West Integration Network (CWIN) is one of our main weekly events, happening every Friday at 12pm. It was first established so that people could have a space and a hot meal while they waited for our Food Hub service. Since then, it has evolved into not only that, but also a place where our community members can gather, meet new people, practice English, play games, get information or just relax with a cup of tea and a tasty hot meal. It’s also where we host special events throughout the year, like St. Andrews Day, our Christmas Party, Refugee Week and much more. It’s open for partner organisations to host workshops, and we’ve had information sessions on healthcare, access to services, employability and more. We have also featured cultural performances from several different backgrounds, like classical music, circle dancing, folk music, etc. The meal is the centre of our social actions, where our community gathers and thrives!
2.Can you tell us a little bit about the Multicultural Food Hub?
CWIN has been running a food security programme since 2012. In February 2022, we transformed our former food bank into a Community Food Hub, enabling our members to access community food provision with more dignity and to have more choice over the food they take home. The Food Hub is similar to a pantry, and members can choose from options of fresh fruit and vegetables, grains, tinned goods, bread, pastries, meat and eggs. Most of the food is supply chain surplus, saved from landfill – since we opened in February 22, we have distributed over 20 tonnes of food to over 1000 households. The membership fee also enables us to bulk purchase items that are rarely donated, and we can now offer culturally relevant food, such as halal meat and other things.
3. What other interesting things are going on at the Multicultural Centre?
CWIN’s purpose is to facilitate the integration of Asylum Seekers, Refugees, Migrant Workers and Black and Minority ethnic people into the community. Towards that goal, we host several different activities such as: ESOL classes; a drop-in session for access support; gardening and growing workshops; a knitting Group; an exercise class; an art class and more.
4. Tell us a bit more about the things you do to support the people of Garnethill.
We also have special outings, whether to help members get to know their city or to visit other organisations. We even organise visits to scenic spots such as Loch Lomond, Galloway Forest Park and more. We also have a Holiday Programme for children, which happens during every school holiday, and features arts, sports, gardening and other activities. You can find more information on our socials (@cwintegration on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter), or on our website (www.cwin.org.uk).
5. Is there anything members of the public can do to help support your organisation?
CWIN thrives on community support, and all donations go towards integration work that has benefited many families of asylum seekers, refugees, migrant workers, black and minority ethnic people in Glasgow. There are several ways to support us: 1) By making a money donation, through Givey, Easyfundraising, or by cash, bank transfer or cheque. 2) By donating food, clothes, toys, teaching materials, exercise equipment, cooking utensils, office overheads, and more. 3) By joining in on or supporting any of our projects. Contact us on 0141 573 0978 or email info@cwin.org.uk for more information, or go to cwin.org.uk/support-us for details.
6. If you could invite 6 people, living or dead, to one of your community meals who would you invite and why?
Considering the background of most of our users, and how a lot of them have been away from home for a while, we would invite their family members to share a meal with them.
Thanks to Roque for answering our questions!
