2 days ago
Loaves and Fishes welcome Kilbryde Hospice wellbeing hub to new base
'A Safe Space to Talk' has found a new home at Loaves and Fishes as the hospice and multibank unite to deliver community-led support in East Kilbride.
A Safe Space to Talk - East Kilbride's innovative drop-in wellbeing hub - is entering an exciting new chapter as it transitions from Kilbryde Hospice to a new community location at Loaves and Fishes.
From July, the initiative will be hosted by Kilbryde Hospice on the first Tuesday of each month, with remaining weekly sessions taking place at Loaves and Fishes in the former Greenhills Library.
Kilbryde say this move reflects the strength of collaborative partnership working across East Kilbride, uniting third sector organisations and public services to meet the wider needs of local people.
The model is underpinned by the principles of Community-Led Support (CLS) and the Marmot Place approach - recognising that good health and wellbeing are shaped not just by clinical care, but by the social conditions in which people live.
"'A Safe Space to Talk' has shown the power of local collaboration," said Gordon McHugh, chief executive of Kilbryde Hospice.
'This isn't about any one organisation - it's about working together, listening to local people, and responding with real, human support where it's needed most.'
Since launching earlier this year, the initiative has offered a warm, welcoming space where residents can drop in and access support for: health and emotional wellbeing, caring responsibilities and bereavement, housing, financial stress, and social isolation and relaxation therapies and creative sessions.
The shift into Greenhills - one of East Kilbride's most socially and economically disadvantaged areas - allows the hub to connect with even more people in a place-based and inclusive way.
Kilbryde say this approach serves as a test of change that could inform the development of a wider network of community hubs shaped by what matters most to local people.
The success of 'A Safe Space to Talk' is built on strong partnership working between Kilbryde Hospice, Loaves and Fishes, Healthy and Active, South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, NHS Lanarkshire Health Improvement Team, and a range of community organisations.
'This is about meeting people where they are - in every sense,' said Ann McLaughlin, Senior Health Improvement Manager, South Lanarkshire HSCP.
'Through partnership, shared learning, and trust, we're building something that truly belongs to the community.'
A public community event will mark the hub's official launch at Loaves and Fishes later this summer.
