TV’s interior design double act Colin and Justin cut the ribbon on Pollok’s new centre for young people in Haughburn Terrace.

The former public toilets and solicitor’s offices opposite the well-known Wedge building have been transformed into the Pollok Young People’s Project (PYPP) headquarters, offering one-to-one support, volunteering opportunities in the community, recreational activities and information and advice for 12-18 year olds.

Colin, a Pollok native himself, said that he was ‘thrilled’ to see a resource like the PYPP and told the crowd that he was impressed with how much input the youngsters had in the running of it.

The PYPP is part of Aberlour, an organisation that works with and for children, young people and families who need additional support to promote their development and well-being. Aberlour’s Assistant Regional Director, Graham McPhie, said, ‘It has taken three years to slowly build up this service from the idea stage to its current position as an effective and popular local service. Many people have contributed to its success but it is the young people on its management group and the young volunteers who have really made this happen. We are very grateful for all they have done.’

The new premises have a kitchenette, workspace with computers and a TV and a room for one-to-one interviews. The space is decorated with artwork by the young people themselves. The refurbishment of the building was paid for by the South West Community Planning Project. The Fair Share Trust and Lloyds TSB Drugs Initiative are funding the service.

Any interested young people in Pollok can ‘drop in’ to the centre between 4pm and 7pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. The PYPP also provide street-based youth work in parts of Pollok and works with hundreds of young people over a year.