Barrhead enterprises highlight life-improving impact of choosing local

A trailblazing Barrhead charity has highlighted the life-changing power of people getting behind enterprises in their local communities.

Include Me Too Club’s work features that which opens opportunities for volunteering, training and employment for people of all ages and abilities.

That includes running the Social Blend coffee shop and gift shop – a place where people learn life-enhancing skills in retail and hospitality, creating career options which might otherwise be unavailable to those who join their programmes.

And the impact of townsfolk getting behind the venture – and keeping those opportunities alive while helping to tackle the cost of living crisis – is being highlighted as part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign.

The drive for people to Choose Local is also being backed by other members of All About Barrhead Business Improvement District (BID) as part of a drive for people to help create stronger, more sustainable communities by supporting the businesses on their doorstep.

Ashley and Paul McIlveny launched Include Me Too Club in 2009 following years of working in the social care sector and seeing the need for activities for adults with additional support needs. Social Blend, in the James McGuire Building on Main Street, evolved from that.

On the importance of people choosing local, Paul said: “It’s hugely important. As a charity we completely buy into the Scotland Loves Local campaign.

Paul McIlveny

“Most of our suppliers and tradesmen we used as we refurbished our building were local, so we kept that circular economy going.

“The coffee we use in the cafe is roasted within a mile of our site. It’s sometimes delivered still hot in the bag. Our cake company is based in Thornliebank. We try to keep things local whenever we can, which is important because we are reinvesting back into the local economy.

“Our aim is to be accessible and affordable, bringing premium-made products with a purpose. Not only do you walk in and get a premium product, but it’s served by someone who has a protected characteristic who may have had challenges and barriers in their lives to access training, learning and employment opportunities. 

“After the sale of the coffee, any proceeds made from the enterprise are invested back into the community – funding our children’s play sessions, youth clubs and adult social clubs. I don’t think there’s a stronger example of the impact of shopping locally, highlighting where social enterprises like ours are so important to the high street, while creating sustainability to our organisations. “

Calum McColl, 22, was part of Include Me Too Club’s employability programme, which took him to the cafe, where he is now part of the staff team, helping others into the world of work.

He said: “The charity’s brilliant. The opportunities people get through the work are great. People learn so much when they’re with us. They realise their own capabilities. It’s a fantastic place to be.”

Calum McColl, of Social Blend. Pictures: Jamie Simpson / Scotland’s Towns Partnership

Include Me Too Club is among the Barrhead enterprises featuring prominently as part of the latest wave of activity in the #ScotlandLovesLocal social media drive.

They include Brian MacMillan and his team at F&M Hairdressing and staff from Bluestone Gift Shops on Cross Arthurlie Street.

Scotland Loves Local is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership – the organisation which champions the nation’s towns and places – with support from the Scottish Government.

By encouraging people to support businesses of all kinds in their community – whether shops, cafes, restaurants, visitor attractions or other services – it is hoped that communities can be become stronger and better places in which to live, work and visit.

Andy Dunlop and Eleanor Monks of All About Barrhead, outside The Foundry in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire

All About Barrhead manager Andy Dunlop said: “It’s been a challenging few years to say the least for local businesses, from coronavirus to the cost of living crisis. The people behind them work tirelessly and really do need our support.

“There’s no better way to help our community than show our support for the people who help make it so special. At the same time, we can play our part in tackling the climate emergency by reducing our own travel. Everyone wins.

“We hope that businesses in Barrhead can help inspire people across the country to choose local and make a difference to the future of their community.”

People across East Renfrewshire can also show their support for the region’s businesses by spending using the Scotland Loves Local East Renfrewshire Gift Card, which local businesses and other organisations are also being encouraged to use as rewards for staff and volunteers – keeping money local for longer.