A Family fun day and cost of living event was held in Bothwell yesterday and attended by local politicians to offer support to residents.
The event, organised by Reverend Iain Majcher from Bothwell Parish Church and Father Colin Hughes from St Bride’s RC Church, who worked closely with MSP Stephanie Callaghan, Bothwell Futures and local councillors, was held at St Bride’s Church.
Aimed at giving help to families amid the soaring cost of living crisis while offering a fun day out for children, the event was hailed a success.
Families had access to support from experts who offered advice on energy, finance, social security and mental health organisations.
Hundreds of locals attended the event to gain advice from organisations such as Home Energy Scotland, Social Security Scotland, Health Improvement Scotland, Scottish Association for Mental Health and Men Matters.
The event received a huge turnout, with happy faces, laughter and children enjoying all of the free activities on offer including bouncy castles, face painting and even free candy floss, popcorn and ice cream.
During the event, free food and refreshments were supplied by local businesses including Tesco, M&S, Lidl, Co-Op, Morrisons, Tunnocks, Equis, Warburtons and Baba’s Kitchen.
As well as Ms Stephanie Callaghan, other local politicians were in attendance, including three councillors from the area – Cal Dempsey, Maureen Devlin and Kenny McCreary.
The Uddingston and Bellshill MSP, Stephanie Callaghan, said: “Today’s event tells me that our communities remain resilient and compassionate.
"It was wonderful to see a community come together to generously provide families with a free afternoon of fun.
"The number of people seeking help and advice today also tells me that many, many people are terrified about how they will be able to make ends meet through the upcoming winter.
“What I saw and heard in Bothwell is being replicated across the country.
"I strongly endorse the just released report from Professor Hirsch that calls on the UK government to urgently provide additional direct support to families.”
Reverend Iain Majcher from Bothwell Parish Church, said: “Today’s event was hugely important in the midst of crippling fuel and food prices coupled with a recession on the horizon. Today shows politics, church, local charities and expert organisations coming together to offer support, help and guidance.
“It was a lovely blessing to be able to offer a free fun day alongside the event to break the stigma of coming for help. We are also hugely thankful to the local shops for their support with food, Tesco, M&S, Lidl, Warburtons, Coop, Tunnocks and Baba’s Kitchen.”
Father Colin Hughes from St Bride’s RC Church, said: “Thank you to everyone who made The Family Fun Day/ Cost of Living Day a great event.
"Thank you to all who worked tirelessly in its preparation.
“I am grateful to those who worked behind the scenes doing necessary tasks which made the Day flow smoothly.
“Thank you to all those who donated items – in particular, local supermarkets and businesses. Thanks to our MSP and councillors for being part of the event and Bothwell Futures for their presence and support.
“This was a corporate venture which included many agencies. Hopefully, the dawn of working together as churches and community building a better and more fair world.”
Councillor Maureen Devlin (Bothwell and Uddingston), said: “ I must thank all those who helped organise today’s fantastic event.
“Today’s event proves how important it is for everyone to work together for the greater good of the entire community. Moving forward, we must now continue to work together to maximise the support so desperately needed for so many in our community, particularly with the seemingly ever-spiralling and increasing cost of living.
“I am very hopeful that by continuing to pull together as a community we can help and support each other through these challenging times.”
Councillor Kenny McCreary (Bothwell and Uddingston), said: “The event on Monday at St Bride’s was very well attended and demonstrated what can be done when faiths, political parties, community groups and local businesses come together for the good of the community.
“As well as to have a fun event for families towards the end of school holidays, the serious aim of the day was to offer support to families and individuals in these difficult financial times caused by the high cost of living with consequent mental health issues.
"I am sure the many experts on hand gave good advice and guidance although it is obviously difficult to measure effectiveness. However if even one family has been helped then the day was worth the effort.
“Also the Rev. Majcher and Father Hughes must have used their contacts and pulled some strings as the weather was beautiful!
Councillor Cal Dempsey (Bothwell and Uddingston) added: “We all know that Bothwell is an affluent village.
"That’s why it would be easy to overlook people in the area who are struggling financially.
"It was great to see the two churches, community groups and local businesses come together to ensure local residents have the advice they need to make it through this cost of living crisis. It was also brilliant to see so many kids having fun.”
Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley who was unable to attend the event, said: “I would like to thank everyone involved for organising what was a fun and informative event at St Bride’s yesterday.
“My team was on hand to assist constituents with their queries and offer help and support should they need it.
"Thank you also to everyone who came along and made the event a huge success.”
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