Govan HELP, a vital community support organisation, has received a transformative donation exceeding £500,000 from BAE Systems, paving the way for the creation of a new central hub in Govan.
The new facility will revitalise a former after-school care building leased from Glasgow City Council, expanding Govan HELP’s capacity to deliver essential services to families in the area.
Viv Sawers, Chief Executive of Govan HELP, hailed the donation as a “game-changer.” She said, “We are absolutely thrilled that BAE Systems has recognised our potential to make a real difference for families in Govan. This is the largest single investment we’ve ever received, and it’s already enabling us to grow, with two new team members now on board. The team at BAE Systems have been so supportive and are so keen to support our work in the community. This development will be a real local collaboration to help realise our ambitious plans and vision for services for families in Govan for the future.”
The building, set to open as a community hub in 2025, will undergo major refurbishment to accommodate Govan HELP’s programmes. While the BAE Systems donation provides a significant foundation, additional funding will be sought to complete the ambitious project.
“While the donation from BAE Systems is a monumental boost, we’ll be looking for additional support to ensure this centre becomes everything the community deserves,” Sawers added.
BAE Systems’ Managing Director for Naval Ships, Simon Lister, praised Govan HELP’s efforts, saying “Govan HELP is the heartbeat of the Govan community, and I have been hugely impressed by the energy and passion of the team, and their ambitions to provide more help to local families. We are exceptionally proud to be part of the Govan community and to play a modest part in supporting Govan HELP establish this community hub which will serve families for years to come.”
In addition to BAE Systems’ substantial contribution, ARCO, a PPE and safety equipment supplier to BAE, has donated an additional £54,259 to support the project.
Councillor Ricky Bell, Deputy Leader of Glasgow City Council and local councillor for the Govan ward, emphasised the importance of Govan HELP’s work: “Govan HELP is an outstanding organisation in my ward. They do fantastic work, and this award will enable them to move to a new facility to continue to support some of the most vulnerable people in Govan. I am proud to support them whenever I can.”
Once operational, the new centre is expected to provide a lasting impact on the Govan community, offering vital services and opportunities to families for decades to come.
