To meet the needs of the local people, the Riverside Community Hall was built and this has been an ideal setting in terms of space and equipment for the work done here by the fast Forward Volunteers.

Fast Forward was set up at the turn of the Millennium by a resident of the area who realised the potential of providing after-school activities for the local children. Student volunteers come from Glasgow, Strathclyde and the Caledonian Universities. They meet every Wednesday to offer help with homework and provide new and stimulating activities for the children.

Students tell for example, of their adventures abroad where they have travelled or about their future plans and work they are hoping to do. All this contributes to widening horizons and to bring a variety of culture to the local children.

They also organise fun, creative activities such as cookery, quizzes, arts and crafts, filming, and, weather permitting, some sports!

The dedication of the volunteers and exuberant energy of the children makes for engaging and exciting sessions – it’s good to see the young people turning up week after week.

One of the volunteers commented “It’s a win-win situation – we get a chance to give something back to the community where we are living and the kids really enjoy the sessions. I think it helps them practically but also inspires them to take more of an interest in learning and working constructively, which can only be good!”