Anyone can run a Big Draw event – large organisations, small community groups or keen individuals. All we ask is that drawing is the main focus and that the Big Draw logo appears on all promotional materials. Registration is now open and they hope you will join in. Please start now by entering your contact details on their free online database www.thebigdraw.org. Every organiser who registers receives a free copy of the Drawing Inspiration Awards book, illustrating last year’s winning projects, and a CD of practical strategies and publicity materials. These are packed with inspiring ideas and show how organisers have used limited resources and unlimited imaginations to get everyone drawing. If you apply (successfully) for a £500 Drawing Inspiration Award after your event, you could feature in the next book!

The main focus of the event is mid-October (Big Draw Day is Saturday 13), but you can run events any time in October. With competing pressures on calendars, their themes are broad, allowing links with Family Learning Week, Black History Month or Apple Day. Visit www.thebigdraw.org to find out more

Pollok Leisure Centre is to close on Sunday 4 March for ten months to allow refurbishment works to be carried out under the Pollok Civic Realm Capital Project, a project that is developing and improving Pollok Town Centre.

This ten month period of work will see the relocation of the existing library and learning centre to The Wedge to create an expanded facility, new frontage and information hub.  The Wedge, a community facility, is based at 1066 Barrhead Road in Pollok.

The space vacated by the relocation of the library will be refurbished and a fitness suite provided.  The roof of the swimming pool will be replaced as part of the work.

Groups who regularly use Pollok Leisure Centre are being relocated to other venues during the period of the refurbishment works.

Councillor John Lynch, Executive Member for Cultural and Leisure Services at Glasgow City Council, said:  “This work will give the people of Pollok and the surrounding area an outstanding leisure facility, and regular users will be accomodated in other facilities while the work takes place.”

The first stage of the Pollok Civic Realm Project - the improvement of Pollok Health Centre and incorporating Social Work Services - is now nearing completion.

For further information, please call Pollok Leisure Centre on 0141 881 3313.

We offer men the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities including fishing, hill walking,orienteering etc. We also provide information on healthy eating, healthy lifestyles, stress relief etc.

Pollok Library will Close at its current location in the leisure centre on Sat 24th Feb and relocate to "The Wedge" building 1066 Barrhead Road on  Mon 5th March. A book return service will be provided within the Wedge from Mon 26th Feb until sat 3rd March.

What does befriending involve?

Each young person referred to the Service will have different needs and interests. The Support Workers will endeavour to match you with a young person on the basos of common interests and personality, your experience, abilites and skills.

As a volunteer you would be expected to commit yourself to befriending for at least six months from the date you are matched, with contact averaging 2 to 4 hours per week. Some matches last considerably longer and some will have variations in frequency.

In addition you would have monthly contact with a support worker and quarterly with other befrienders involved with the service ( these would be informal or social gatherings, or issue based training opportunities. You would also be required to complete a brief log or diary of each meeting or visit with the young person ( not a major report but a simple 10 minute questionnaire.

Where and when you meet is up to you and the young person ( and sometimes their parents) as long as there is consistant commitment and regularity. You must always ensure the young persons family know where you are going, what you will be doing and when they will be returning home.

What Can You Expect ?

In terms of the relationship itself, much depends on why you want to be involved. Befrienders volunteer for a variety of reasons and we will do our best to address your agenda and needs. However all volunteers can expect quality training which starts with the befrienders training programme and continues throughout their involvement.

The monthly meetings with your support worker and the diary/log sheets will be used to identify individual, further training needs . Beyond this, you would br e encouraged to request taining on anything remotely related to your voluntary work. We can offer no guarantees but would endeavour to accomodate any reasonable suggestion.

All expenses are reimbursed within reasonable limits; you will be advised of this in more detail. Should you wish to engage in other forms of voluntary work, as part of the Volunteer Centre the service is well placed to advise you about what opportunities exist. Many people find befriending is a useful stepping stone to personal and career development.

Finaly and probably most importantly, you can expect to enjoy the experience and have some fun.

For further information on how you can get involved please feel free to contact the befriending team at the address below.

84 Miller Street, Glasgow, G1 1DT

Email: befriending@volunteerglasgow.org

0141 226 3431