Things to do

Holiday programmes and clubs run throughout the year, comprising of fun activities, informative workshops and daytrips.

Manager Stewart Bell has been running youth clubs at ‘The Shakey’ since 1983.

‘The Shakey is unique.   We are a very close-knit community and there is a lot of trust in our youth club.  The young people come here because they know it is a safe place where they can have fun, but also because there is a good feeling about the club.

Although the poverty in Maryhill may not seem to be as visible as it was when I started work here 26 years ago, it is still present.  It has evolved into different types of poverty, emotional as well as financial, alongside poverty of opportunity.  There are no other facilities of this kind for children in the area.’

This year, BBC Children in Need awarded a grant of £9,500 to Shakespeare Street Youth Club, continuing their long relationship with the organisation.  The grant will pay for two part-time staff and various club activities, including a girl’s night project, which will focus on the issues and needs of the female club members.

Bell continues, ‘When the young people take part in the projects and activities in the club, they visibly grow in self esteem and confidence.   It’s great to see.  Their horizons are also expanded by the trips we offer.  The young people see this as their own club, but also have respect for myself and the staff.  One of our young people is now a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament and another received a Youth Volunteer of the Year award.

The funding provided by BBC Children in Need is essential, as the activities it pays for are a real highlight.  They give the young people something to look forward to.’

This year’s BBC Children in Need Appeal is on Friday 20 November on BBC One Scotland.

Download a fundraising pack, make a donation and find out more about fundraising events in Scotland.