Govan HELP, a leading charity dedicated to supporting families with children in the Govan area of Glasgow, is celebrating a game-changing £500,000 grant awarded by BAE Systems.
Founded in 1996, Govan HELP plans to use a portion of this funding to breathe new life into a central Govan building, transforming it into a vibrant hub for their services. This new centre will not only house their existing programmes but also allow them to expand their reach and offer even more support to the local community.
Viv Sawers, Chief Executive of Govan HELP, shared her excitement: “We are absolutely thrilled that BAE Systems has recognised our potential to make a real difference for families in Govan. This is the largest single investment we’ve ever received, and it’s already enabling us to grow, with two new team members now on board. Our team is buzzing with energy, and we’re so grateful for the backing of such a major local employer. The team at BAE Systems have been so supportive and are so keen to support our work in the community, so this development will be a real local collaboration to help realise our ambitious plans and vision for services for families in Govan for the future.”
In addition to this huge investment from BAE Systems, two of their supply chain partners have also provided backing for the project in the form of investment to support the capital works. ARCO, who supply PPE and safety equipment to BAE Systems have donated £54,259 and BAE Shared Services, based in Preston have donated a further £10,000.
Govan HELP is in currently in the process of concluding a 40-year lease agreement with City Property Glasgow Investments (CPGI) for the building which was formerly used as an after-school care facility. Now, it’s set to undergo a major refurbishment, but Viv Sawers notes that more funding will be needed to complete the ambitious project. “While the grant from BAE Systems is a monumental boost, we’ll be looking for additional support to ensure this centre becomes everything the community deserves,” she added.
Govan HELP is known for offering vital services such as Family Support, Play Therapy, Adult Counselling, and Training and Volunteering opportunities. It also operates the much-loved Govan Pantry, a key resource for locals. Although the new centre will be the charity’s new home, the Pantry will remain at its current location in the iconic Pearce Institute.
Councillor Ricky Bell, Deputy Leader of Glasgow City Council and Local Councillor for the Govan ward, expressed his support: “Govan HELP is an outstanding organisation in my ward. They do fantastic work and this award will enable them to move to a new facility to continue to support some of the most vulnerable people in Govan. I am proud to support them whenever I can.”
Simon Lister, BAE Systems Naval Ships Managing Director, said: ‘Govan HELP is the heartbeat of the Govan Community and I have been hugely impressed by the energy and passion of the team, and their ambitions to provide more help to local families in Govan. We are exceptionally proud to be part of the Govan community and to play a modest part in supporting Govan HELP establish this community hub which will serve families for years to come’.
Set to open in 2025, this centre promises to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for Govan families for decades to come.
