It’s the October school holidays – and at the Jeely Piece Club in Castlemilk, local children are spending their break surrounded by food, fun, and friendship.
The much-loved children’s charity in the south of Glasgow is marking its 50th anniversary with a family breakfast celebration as part of its holiday food programme, bringing the community together for games, laughter and activities.
Between 600 and 700 children come through its doors every week, taking part in everything from arts and crafts to outdoor woodland play.
‘The Jeely’ – as it has become known to locals – also serves the adult community by providing jobs.
Around 86% of the workforce is made up of people from Castlemilk, most of whom were “Jeely weans” who grew up attending the centre themselves.
STV News“What happens is the children become teens can come back to work here. They might not have had many opportunities through school, but we can help them find employment.”
“Staff put all their love and effort into this – it keeps the place running.”
Donna Loughlin is head of play services at the Jeely. She said the club’s facilities and staff dedication make a huge difference.
“We’re very lucky to have a purpose-built building – computer rooms, arts and crafts, cooking, chill-out spaces, and a mega space for free play.
“We do outdoor play too. Our staff take the children out to the woodland for den-building and water play. It brings so many benefits.”
The Jeely also serves as a social hub for adults.
“Families come along so parents can interact with each other,” she added. “That builds their confidence as well as the children’s.”
STV News
STV NewsThe Jeely Club was launched by a group of local mums in 1975 to give youngsters a safe place to play, during a period marked by widespread drug use and gang violence.
Since then, it has shaped generations of children.
Local families have heaped praise on the Jeely.
“There’s the soft play and the bouncy castle room – and they always help you when you need it,” one boy said. “It’s a very fun place.”
Another added: “You can come with your friends, do art, play Tig and go in the game room to play PlayStation or Xbox.”
One mum said: “It gets them mixing with other kids rather than roaming the streets. I find it helps my own mental health and gives me a few hours break.”
A gran added: “It’s good old-fashioned play. They get to run about, burn energy and use their imagination.”
STV News
STV NewsFor Grace Lamont, the Jeely has been a constant presence in her life for 40 years. She first came with her baby son Gary – who would later find fame as an actor on River City – and went on to become the club’s head of play before joining its board.
“The Jeely is like a big giant family,” Grace said. “It enabled parents to be together, and the friends I’ve got now I’ve had since those early days. It’s a fantastic organisation.
“We’ve helped people who’ve struggled – whether it’s addiction or poverty, whatever the issue, we can help. We never judge. It could have been me and my family.”
Grace credits the Jeely Piece Club with helping her son chase his dreams.
“Against the odds he made it – an actor from Castlemilk was practically unheard of, but it was his dream. We just believed in him and supported that.
“There’s so much untapped talent in Castlemilk. Children don’t always get the opportunities they deserve, but they can do anything.”
The Jeely Piece Club is hosting its all-day play sessions for October Week.
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