Join our writer's group meet up!
Plus: how Govanhill tenants can fight back, local doc wins Al Jazeera award, bakery closes and Algerian cafe opens, how to respond to news coverage in Gaza.. and more!
You should come along to our writers’ group meet-up next Monday 2 June, 6:15–7:45pm in the Community Newsroom – here’s why.
Last week I watched Anatomy of a Fall, and it reminded me how easy it is to fall into a writing slump. The character’s “slump” is a bit more complicated than mine but it still hit close to home.
If you’ve seen the film, you’ll know the iconic scene where the protagonist responds to her husband’s excuse that he doesn’t have time to write. She cuts right to it: “You choose to sit on the sidelines because you're afraid!”
After uni, I stopped writing as regularly as I used to, not because I didn’t want to but I put it down to exhaustion from long hospitality shifts and limited time. In reality, even when I wasn’t cutting 40 onions for a beef curry, I wasn’t writing with the same passion.
What I really needed was an encouraging voice and some regular space to write. Joining Greater Govanhill’s young writers programme gave me that and pulled me out of my slump. I realised a lot of the hesitation came from also being afraid – afraid of writing the “wrong” thing, afraid it wouldn’t matter (I once had a lecturer tell me coverage of a protest didn’t qualify as a “news story”) or afraid it wouldn’t be read. But in this group, I found support. I got to write about what mattered to me, knowing it would be shared on a platform that values community voices.
So, this is my invitation: come along to the meet-up. You’ll get to connect with other writers, pitch ideas for the website and mag — whether it's covering gigs, reviewing books, or writing an op-ed and you’ll receive supportive feedback in a group that shares your values.
Can’t make it on Monday? No stress, we’ll have more meet-ups coming up and you can still join our writers WhatsApp group, more info below.
Got a story to pitch? Send it along to the newsroom@greatergovanhill.com.
Looking forward to seeing you next Monday!
-Samar
The latest from the website…
Greater Govanhill shortlisted for two Refugee Festival Scotland Media Awards
Two Greater Govanhill articles have been shortlisted for Refugee Festival Scotland Media Awards, which celebrate powerful, responsible coverage of refugee and asylum issues. Among the nominees are local artists and writers sharing stories of resilience, hope, and the fight against systemic barriers.
Rent caps are gone: How can Govanhill tenants fight back?
With Scotland’s rent cap scrapped last month, Govanhill residents run the risk of being hit with unaffordable rent hikes — some as high as 100%. As protections vanish, housing campaigners warn of a deepening crisis and urge tenants to organise for rent controls and community stability.
Letter: Pollokshields resident on their frustrations with overflowing bin hubs and council inaction
Despite council claims of success, a Pollokshields resident shares a ground-level view of overflowing bins, missed collections, and broken promises — raising questions about whether Glasgow’s bin hub pilot is ready for citywide rollout.
What’s on around the neighbourhood…
News → Action: Responding to rolling news from Palestine
When: Wednesday, 11 June
Where: The Community Newsroom, 82 Bowman Street
As part of Indie News Week 2025, Greater Govanhill, The Ferret, and The New Internationalist are launching News → Action, a new event series exploring how to respond to rolling news coverage, starting with Gaza. The first in-person event will focus on local actions for Palestine, featuring grassroots speakers and offering practical ways to get involved.
Vocal or Version: Reggae Dance at The Rum Shack
When: Saturday 31 May, from 9pm
Where: The Rum Shack, 657-659 Pollokshaws Road
Glasgow's only revival reggae night is back. All the best in vintage Jamaican music on original press vinyl.
More info: 18+, ticketed from £6 via Eventbrite
Govanhill Community Litter Pick
When: Saturday 31 May, 10:30–12:15pm
Where: Meeting point: Govanhill Free Church, 26 Belleisle Street
Join for the monthly Govanhill Litter Pick, all equipment provided. Meeting at the church for a briefing before splitting into groups to litter pick around the Southside before regrouping back at the church at 12:15 for tea and lunch.
More info: Follow @govanhilllitterpick on Instagram for updates on events
Latest from the neighbourhood…
🇩🇿 Algerian cafe, Qasba, finally opens it’s doors
The Greater Govanhill team paid a selfless visit this lunchtime.. and can confirm - it’s delicious! Check our Insta reels for more.
🎥 Everybody to Kenmure Street Wins Al Jazeera Documentary Award
The Al Jazeera Documentary Award, presented at the Cannes Film Festival, was won by Everybody to Kenmure Street by Felipe Bustos Sierra. Sierra reflected on the win: “There’s so much urgency to this film. We’ve been trying to tell this story in a country whose Prime Minister recently said that more migrants in the UK will create an ‘island of strangers.’ We are fighting for a more compassionate, more joyful society where we all look after each other.”
⚽ Street Play Offers Safe, Traffic-Free Fun for Kids
Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life are inviting residents and local groups to apply for Street Play, an initiative that allows free road closures so children can safely play outside on residential streets. Open to not-for-profit organisations and residents living on the proposed street, the scheme encourages community bonding through outdoor play. Available dates include 27–29 June and 26–28 September 2025, with deadlines on 13 June and 12 September, respectively.
🥮 Full Circle Bakes Announces Closure
Victoria Road bakery, Full Circle Bakes, has announced its closure three months after reopening. Owner, Steph wrote on Instagram that they have had to make the difficult decision to step away for good writing: “I really hoped that taking a few months off would be enough to reset myself, but unfortunately, it wasn’t.”
Join our WhatsApp Community 📱
Join Greater Govanhill’s new WhatsApp community for the latest neighbourhood news, updates from us, and early access to article briefs if you’re a writer. Stay informed without the endless scrolling – it’s a space to read, not chat. Scan the QR code or click here to join.
