Thank You! 🫵
Plus: Sharing our gambling harms series from the 'Hidden Lives' issue; fill in our feedback survey on that issue; and happenings in and around the neighbourhood
Hello and happy Friday ☀️
Judging by the title of this week’s newsletter you may have already guessed we have some thanks to give. Who to you may wonder? Well…you of course! Our loyal readers, Substack subscribers and members.
In 2020, it was the support of our community which funded the publication of our very first issue – we crowdfunded and the crowd didn’t disappoint! 5 years later (happy birthday Greater Govanhill 🎉) and we are still going strong.
But none of this would have been possible without the continued community support, which is why we launched a membership drive this March to tell you what your contribution means to us, what it funds and how a membership with us benefits you:
⭐ A printed copy of the magazine delivered directly to you - every issue.
⭐ Access to exclusive members events & meet-ups.
⭐ Added into our new members WhatsApp group, where you have the opportunity to become an ambassador for the mag.
⭐ Exclusive bi-monthly updates about how your membership is helping to support us and where your money is going!
Now, we are in April, and we wanted to thank the 40 new members who joined up following our month long membership campaign; you saw our value, you heard our call and you delivered once again. For that, we thank you. 💛
We asked some of you why you signed up to become members, which we then shared online. To those who responded, thank you for your kind words:
If you’re gutted you missed the membership drive, don’t be! You can sign up anytime, any day and for only a couple quid a month 👇
Now we’ve buttered you up, enjoy the read, the sunshine and have a lovely weekend!
Yours,
Devon
Latest from our website…
Opening Pandora’s Box
Last year we delivered community reporter training workshops with women who’ve experienced the negative impact of gambling. This is what happened when a group of women with lived experience of gambling harm worked collectively to drive change. Read More
The dark allure of gambling
Community reporter, Jenny Jones, writes about the dark allure of gambling and its hidden costs to lives and communities. From what gambling harm is, to who is most susceptible and how gambling affects men and women. Read More
Forge ahead: escaping the chaos of my gambling life
“At 72, I’ve lived a life full of highs, lows, and resilience from overcoming gambling harm. I’m more than my struggles—I’m a traveler, a community advocate, and someone who’s found joy in unexpected places. This is my story of recovery and rediscovery.” Read More
Mesmerised and ensnared: the wild west of gambling advertising
“Relentless and insidious marketing tactics are drawing people into the grip of gambling addiction, with devastating impacts on vulnerable individuals. It's time to confront the unchecked spread of this harmful advertising." Read More
Gambling Harms: Two intitiatives making a difference
Two innovative initiatives are making strides in supporting vulnerable communities. From empowering the Roma community with resources on gambling harm to offering a safe digital space for women affected by gambling, these projects foster meaningful change. Read More
Gambling support and where to find it
Are you or a loved one struggling with gambling? There are plenty of support options out there who can help. We’ve listed them all, including how to contact them. Read More
Tell us what you thought of our ‘Hidden Lives’ issue…
Can you help?
We’re looking for readers to provide some feedback on our last issue - as a requirement of the funding we received to work on raising awareness of gambling harms.
It should only take 2 minutes and would really help us out! Thank you (again).
The latest from the neighbourhood…
SNP MSP for a Glasgow West End constituency wants to switch to the Southside
MSP and Minister for Equalities, Kaukab Stewart, announced on social media her intentions to run as MSP in the Southside. Since Nicola Sturgeon announced her departure from Scottish politics in the upcoming 2026 Holyrood election in May, local people have been speculating who could potentially take the seat Nicola held for many years. Local resident and journalist, Kathleen Nutt, provided some analysis as part of the Unspun: Scottish Politics newsletter.
Book Fair at Queen’s Park Glasshouses
Queen’s Park Neighbourhoods are hosting a Book Fair in the glasshouses in partnership with Friends of Queen's Park and a few of our brilliant local bookshops and booksellers, including Oxfam Books, Burning House Books and Merry-Go-Round children's books. They'll also have a book swap and are encouraging people to bring a book they loved reading and now want to give to someone else to enjoy. The pop-up Book Fair at the QP glasshouses will be on Sunday 13 April, from 11am to 3pm.
Celebrating Easter in Govanhill
Govanhill Housing Association are hosting an Easter Fun Day in the Govanhill Community Garden on 79 Coplaw Street this Saturday 5 April. Entry is free but tickets are required. From 1-3pm, you can bring your wee ones to see the Easter Bunny, play games like hook a duck, paint and enjoy a photobooth. Contact Gillian Scott, Resident Engagement Assistant for tickets (for children). Email gscott@govanhillha.org/mob for more information and to book your spot, or call 07497 234 104.
This free 7-week course will teach data journalism skills that can be used to uncover and tell local stories.
12 places are available.
No previous experience is required – just curiosity, interest in local community issues, and a passion for storytelling!
📅 Dates: 16 April – 26 May (TBC)
📍 Format: Online & in-person sessions on Wednesday evenings from 6:15-8:15
📰 Final stories will be published in a special issue of Greater Govanhill magazine.
A stipend of £100 is available to participants.
Join our Whatsapp Community 📱
Greater Govanhill’s new Whatsapp community keeps you up to date with the latest happenings in the neighbourhood. Avoid the morning doom scroll and get the most important news in one place. If you’re worried about a drone of notifications, fear not! The group is more of a space to read than to chat. If you’re looking for a bit more interaction, head over to our writer’s group to see our latest pitches and suggest stories of your own. To join the group, scan the QR code or follow this link.
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