Sponsored Editorial: Community Links Scotland

For more than two decades, Community Links Scotland has been proud to support the people of West Dunbartonshire.

Based in Clydebank and working closely with community-led housing associations and local third sector partners, our focus has always been on supporting people who are experiencing isolation, poor health, financial pressure or wider life challenges.

By developing practical, meaningful projects, we aim to help our local community be stronger and make sure people get the support they need, when they need it.

One of our key programmes is Healthy Pathways, which has been developed to support adults build confidence, connections and create a stronger sense of community.

The project provides a safe, welcoming space where people can take part in creative, therapeutic and social activities that encourage connection, self-expression and renewed confidence.

Healthy Pathways offers a weekly creative cafe every Tuesdays 11-1pm at the Community Links Scotland office in 63 Kilbowie Road, Clydebank.

These informal sessions allow people to try activities and connect with others in a relaxed and supportive environment.

All sessions are free, with materials provided.

Sessions include a wide range of arts and crafts such as painting, needle felting, decoupage, clay, jewellery making, photography and sewing. Sessions change every week, depending on the interests of the group.

Creative sessions can also be delivered in an outreach capacity, so please reach out if your group could benefit from any free creative sessions, which we can deliver at your own premises.

In addition to the creative café, Healthy Pathways will be running a series of free health and wellbeing workshops.

Themed sessions will include mindfulness, healthy eating, budgeting, healthy relationships and health and fitness.

We are keen to work in partnership with local organisations to widen the support available to participants, so please contact Laureen if you think this would be an option for your groups.

A third aspect of the Healthy Pathways programme will be the creation of a new womenʼs group around gender specific issues.

This will have a human rights focus and will seek to address poverty and gender inequalities across West Dunbartonshire.

If you are interested in getting involved, or you work with women who may benefit, please contact Laureen to find out more.

A core strength of Healthy Pathways is its emphasis on peer support.

Participants can be supported by volunteers from Mindful Moments, a group of women who previously took part in the project themselves.

Drawing on their own lived experience, they offer encouragement, understanding and a listening ear to those who are new to the programme.

If you live in West Dunbartonshire and would like the opportunity to take part in any of these activities, sessions are free and designed to be accessible and relaxed, allowing you to engage at your own pace.

If you would like to try new experiences, step outside of your comfort zone, meet others with similar experiences, and develop a stronger sense of belonging, Heathy Pathways is for you.

To find out more, to get involved, or discuss referrals, please contact Laureen Phone: 0141 952 4382 or text: 07749 390 108. Or email: laureen@comlinks.org.uk