The Govan Pantry: Winner of the 2023 SURF Award for Best Practice in Community Regeneration!
Govan HELP's The Govan Pantry clinches the 2023 SURF Award for Best Practice in Community Regeneration, in the category of Community Led Regeneration.
Glasgow, Thursday 7 December, 2023 — Govan HELP is thrilled to announce that The Govan Pantry, our flagship project tackling food poverty, has been recognised at the 2023 SURF Awards as an outstanding example of community-led regeneration.
Each year, the SURF Awards showcases the most impressive feats in tackling physical, social and economic decline within Scotland’s communities. This year’s awards received a record-breaking 96 applications across all categories, coinciding with the award scheme’s 25th anniversary.
Following an intensive two-month process of assessments and site visits, the panel of expert judges selected The Govan Pantry as winner in the 'Community Led Regeneration' category.
Left to right: Joe Fitzpatrick MSP, Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning; Viv Sawers, Govan HELP Chief Officer; Stephen McFadden, Operations and Development Manager.
About The Govan Pantry
Launched in response to the pandemic, The Govan Pantry has rapidly evolved into a dynamic community subsidised shop, providing affordable access to essential items for local residents.
To date, 2834 members from the G51 area have registered, representing more than 10% of Govan's population and underscoring the severity of food poverty in the community. The addition of the Pantry within Govan HELP’s wider range of family support services has been critical in ensuring that the project reaches those in the community who are most in need.
More than just a shop, The Govan Pantry has grown to become a hub fostering community cohesion. Govan HELP has strategically integrated training and volunteering opportunities into the project, currently supporting 24 parents to gain accredited qualifications and enhance employability skills.
What the Judges Liked
The SURF judging panel commended the Pantry for its high level of community involvement throughout its development.
The project's ability to adapt to local needs and transform into a comprehensive support service impressed the judges. Volunteers – many of whom being previous service users – have become integral to shaping and delivering the service, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Furthermore, the project's integrated approach has allowed it to identify and address multiple challenges for Govan residents, providing a lifeline for those who might not seek support through traditional means.
A Team Effort
Govan HELP extends heartfelt gratitude to our amazing staff and volunteers, as well as our supporting partners – Glasgow City Council, The National Lottery Community Fund, Govan Housing Association and The Robertson Trust – who have each been instrumental in the development of this project.
This SURF Award is not just a recognition of The Govan Pantry's success but a celebration of the resilience and unity of the entire Govan community.
2023 Surf Award recipients.
