YMCA Glasgow Residents’ Association (YGRA) is holding its first annual general meeting (AGM) on Saturday 18th September to elect a new management committee.
All of YMCA Glasgow’s residents are eligible to stand for election to the committee which aims to promote the interests of all the Association’s residents on matters concerning housing, the local environment and the social and community life of their area.
The event will be held in the Alive and Kicking Project which provides social and recreation opportunities for people living in the Petershill Drive area.
The AGM is open to all YMCA Glasgow residents and special guests will include local politicians, community leaders, refugee community organisations, YMCA Glasgow’s board of directors and the organisation’s main partner agencies including Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Refugee Council.
Around 120 people are expected to attend the event which in addition to the election of the new management committee will also include a band, a multicultural dance display and a ‘YMCA Glasgow’s Got Talent’ open stage.
Amusements and facilities for children including face painting and a crèche will also be available.
Hassan Darasai, chair of YMCA Glasgow Residents’ Association, said: “The YGRA is an innovative organisation and the first of its kind in the UK to represent asylum seeking residents. Our organisation performs a vital role in ensuring that the views of people who live in YMCA Glasgow provided accommodation are heard.
“Membership to our management committee is very limited with only 14 places available and all our asylum seeking residents have now received the nomination papers.
“We are looking forward to the AGM which looks set to be a fun-filled event with lots of activities and amusements for all the family.”
Joe Connolly, chief executive of YMCA Glasgow, said: “Since launching in June 2009 the YMCA Glasgow Residents’ Association has worked with YMCA Glasgow to help improve the lives of our asylum-seeking residents.
“YGRA performs a very important role in communicating the views of residents on a wide range of issues. We look forward to the election of its new committee at this Saturday’s AGM which will enable lots more voices to be heard and ensure this vital process continues.”
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Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of YMCA Glasgow
For further information contact Kevin Macnaught on 0141 333 9585
About YMCA Glasgow Residents’ Association (YGRA)
The YMCA Glasgow Residents’ Association was formed on 13th June 2009 as an independent association.
The Association will:
- Work with YMCA Glasgow to help them to understand and provide for the diverse needs of residents, to make improvements to housing and services.
- Support individual residents to raise issues and concerns with YMCA Glasgow project workers and management.
- Work together as an association and with other associations, organisations and networks to support the wider needs of members.
About YMCA Glasgow
YMCA Glasgow was founded in 1824 and now operates across the central belt of Scotland.
The organisation employs over 200 staff and provides a wide range of services including:
- Work with vulnerable young people and others in our supported accommodation residences
- Undertaking detached, outreach, resettlement and support work with people of all ages who are, or have been, at risk of being homeless
- Work with asylum seekers and refugees in residential and community settings
- Training opportunities for refugees and other groups of people at risk of social exclusion
- Out of school and other child-care provision
- Supporting arts in the community
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Contact: Kevin Macnaught
Phone: 0141 333 9585
Email: kevin@bigpartnership.co.uk
