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Hi, and welcome to the Gallowgate Family Support Group (GFSG)
GFSG is based in one of Scotland's most deprived communities. This part of Glasgow's east-end has been torn apart by drug abuse, the area has been dubbed 'drug addict central' as it has more than its fair share of young men and women with the symptoms of the junkie: rotting teeth, gaunt frames and a deathly pallor.
The GFCG was founded in 1991 by a group of parents whose children were abusing drugs. The group met weekly, but it soon became apparent, that the small meeting room was not adequate due to increasing membership. With the support of Glasgow City Council, the East End Addiction Services and Greater Glasgow Health Board, the group began to offer a drop-in service to parents and families experiencing drug abuse.
As a charity that is run for, and by the parents whose children are or were abusing drugs, GFSG provides vulnerable parents and children with a listening ear, mutual support and social activities. It operates on a shoe-string budget; thanks to the kind support received through donations, and is staffed entirely by volunteers.
In a typical month GFSG will hold group meetings for parents to give and receive advice and encouragement; organise short respite breaks for families to the Group's static caravan in The Maidens and ferry addicts to rehabilitation centres in their minibus. Each year they will help several parents (usually mothers) to organise and pay for the funerals of children they have lost prematurely to drugs.
GFSG provides vital support to vulnerable families who might otherwise have nowhere to turn. Although they do receive a little statutory funding, they are very dependent on fundraising to meet their costs.
Can you help us?
We can’t do it alone and we need funds to help us undertake our work. Your support is greatly valued.
Can you help us with our vital work in the east end of Glasgow? What we do is vital and is needed more than ever to help families whose loved ones are affected by the menace of drugs.
The people that make it happen
There are a number of organisations and individuals that without whose support the ongoing success of the Gallowgate Families Association would not be possible. Our gratitude and appreciation to the following:
Glasgow City Council; E.E. Community Planning; E.E. Addiction Services; G.G. Health Board; Social Work Department Section 10; E.E. Drugs Forum; Dublin City Wide Family Support Group
Special thanks to: Orlando Frazser & Cameron Watt, for their kind donation to the groups respite fund. This donation enabled the group to assist and help five families who have experienced the death of their children due to drugs abuse.
Recognised as a Scottish charity No: SCO21120