• Lifestyle - To develop a range of health promoting fitness opportunities, using innovative techniques and methods and encourage, through partnership working, increased opportunity for local people to experience a range of cultural experiences. Also work with existing partners to develop opportunities to access healthier food choices within the Gorbals.
• Counselling/Complimentary Therapy - Counselling offers the client the opportunity to explore difficult life issues, express emotions and discover the possibilities for positive change in their life. The sessions will be offered in a safe and supportive environment. The duration of the counselling will reflect individual clients needs and ultimately respect the client's own resources for moving towards a more healthy way of being. As part of the individual assessment process the client may be offered additional therapy, which will reflect a holistic approach to identified needs.
  
• Outreach Work - with a focus on building community networks and support mechanisms in the particular communities of Hutchesontown, Oatlands and Laurieston. Key work will concentrate on identifying gaps in the existing services and development of new services, based on the wishes of the community.
  

The GHLN provides a wide range of services to promote the health and well being of the people of the Gorbals including:

• A variety of exercise programmes including a bike and walking club
• Healthy Eating and cookery classes
• A holistic counselling programme
• Promoting a wide variety of cultural experiences including dance, drama and the arts
  

Additional Information

Gorbals Healthy Living Network is part of the New Opportunities Funded Healthy Living Centres Programme. The New Opportunities Fund is the Lottery distributor concerned with health, education and the environment.

The Gorbals Healthy Living Network was awarded funding to establish a Healthy Living Centre in the area, and will be funded to September 2006.

Key partners working with the Network include: Gorbals Social Inclusion Partnership, NHS Greater Glasgow, Glasgow City Council, South East LHCC and Glasgow Healthy City Partnership.

To find out more about current activities contact the following officers:

Noreen Kelly - Counselling Development Officer
Amber Askew - Lifestyle Development Officer
Elaine Sheerin - Outreach Development Officer