Greater Govanhill Issue 11: Finding strength in community

Issue 11

Aug/Sept 2023

THE STORIES THAT MATTER TO YOU

FREE

GRATU

IT • ÜC RE GRATIS TSIZ • • ZADAR BESPL MO ATNO • •

•

FINDING FINDING

STRENGTH IN COMMUNITY INCLUDING: period dignity and where to find free products • experience of motherhood Amma birth companions • mind the health gap podcast • what can we do about rats an Afghani recipe • Roma health initiatives • Govanhill Festival • cryptic crossword quiz • what’s on • local news • and much more Featuring articles in:

Polski

Română Slovenský

Letter from the Team

AUTUMN 2023 EXHIBITIONS until 10 September until 8 October 29 September – 28 January

Dear Readers,

I first met Mary, our cover star, when she and her three children bundled into The Community Newsroom when we were hosting our workshops for this year’s Refugee Festival Scotland. While she and her eldest learnt the basics of video storytelling, me and the two wee ones drew octopuses and drank juice. Mary talked to me about the beauties of being a mum and how a charity had helped her through all the challenges. The story stuck with me much, much longer than the scribbles her two sons left across my desk. When she brought in some handwritten pages, I knew we had to feature her writing in the magazine.

The theme that links the articles in this issue are how communities themselves are creating solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives. As we come to the end of our year-long project exploring solutions to health inequalities, it only seemed right to talk about what people are doing to support each other to overcome the structural barriers that exist.

While I should have been editing our magazine (don’t worry, I think I’ve got most of those typos), I have also been trying to solve the magazine’s first cryptic crossword – perhaps the world’s first with a Govanhill-based theme? Set by the elusive ‘Anymen,’ even here at the Community Newsroom, we don’t have the answers. But I hear in good faith they will be delivered by owl soon, along with a prize for one lucky solver.

But before you melt your brain trying to decipher it, first get a cuppa and enjoy the rest of the magazine.

FREE

Jala Wahid – Conflagration | T5 Jasleen Kaur – Alter Altar | T2

See our website for the free events programme

Billie Zangewa – A Quiet Fire | T5

FILM 1 – 3 September

Cinema Despite - Artists’ Film Programme | T4

PERFORMANCE 13 August

Jack Howse

Tramway Beyond Walls

Articles marked with the Mind the Health Gap project logo form part of a year long collaboration with investigative journalism co-op, The Ferret exploring solutions to health inequalities. It is funded by the European Journalism Centre, through the Solutions Journalism Accelerator. This fund is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Aya Kobayashi and Monika Smekot – Wheel See FREE Tramway Beyond Walls

Walker Movement Theatre Company - Tread FREE

A special thanks to our advertisers: Burning House Books, Garolla, Glasgow Credit Union, Gulabi, Home Energy Scotland, Muscle in Motion, Robertson Dental, Studio 70, Street Level Photoworks, Tramway and Women on Wheels.

Off-site performances (car park across from Tramway)

Skye Reynold and Khamlane Halsackda – into Flesh | T4

9 September

Roberta Jean – Ways of Being | T1

15 & 16 September

Shotput - Totentanz | T4

29 & 30 September

Cryptic presents Sonica

Editorial Assistant Jack Howse

14 – 28 October

Take Me Somewhere Festival

6 – 16 December

Words by Benjamin Kritikos, Coco-Nina C-J, Devon McCole, Dylan Lombard, Dyuti Sen, Jack Howse, Jim Monaghan, Mary, Marzanna Antoniak, Melanie Goldberg, Mursal Noori, Rhiannon J Davies, Samar Jamal and The Anymen

COMING SOON

Photos by Angela Catlin, Dyuti Sen, Iain McLellan, Jackie Dives, Martha James, Meray Diner, Simon Murphy and Stephanie Gibson

Book our festive family show now!

Illustrations by Alistair Quietsch, giacinta frisillo and Issey Medd

Want to advertise in our next issue?

Email hello@greatergovanhill.com

Check out his rat illustrations on page 26

Editor Rhiannon J Davies Creative Director Laura Hurst www.paperarcade.co.uk Staff Journalists Devon McCole and Samar Jamal

What’s On at Tramway

Image: Billie Zangewa, Sweetest Devotion 2021 (detail) Glasgow Life, registered as Culture and Sport Glasgow, is a Scottish Charity (No SC037844) regulated by the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).

Alistair lives locally to Govanhill and currently works at Sistema Big Noise, while also working as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer. You can find his work at @quietschillustrations and cargocollective.com/alistairquietsch

Cover Image Mary, by Iain McLellan

Tortoise in a Nutshell - Ginger | T4

Tramway.org | 0845 330 3501

She wrote about the issue of rats on page 26

We’re also grateful to every one of our members who help us to keep going, even when times are tight. If you enjoy the magazine and want to support us with just a few quid a month, visit: community.greatergovanhill.com/join

8 & 9 September

Full information

Coco-Nina C-J

Coco-Nina is a freelance multimedia journalist, who felt at home the moment she moved to Govanhill last year.

Passionate about exploring how politics impact real people, she can often be found trying to set the world to rights over a coffee on Victoria Road.

Alistair Quietsch

Editorial Assistant

Outdoor performances across the Southside

2 & 3 September

Featured Contributors

Samar Jamal

Samar joined the Greater Govanhill team earlier this year. Her work strives to look at the stories of local communities and people of colour – their experiences, activism and their art.

She also has a keen interest in history and intersectionality.

Read her long read on Scotland’s free period product policy on page 16

Translations by Anna Bearne, Fatma Hegazy, Mana, Maria Marchidanu, Rizwana Saeed and Romano Lav Printed by Gladstone Print Ltd

All content, unless otherwise stated, is copyright © Greater Govanhill CIC. All rights reserved. No part of this independently published magazine may be reproduced without permission.

Greater Govanhill CIC is a non-profit community interest company registered at 82 Bowman St, Glasgow, G42 8LF, Scotland: SC656194.

Any queries, comments or letters, get in touch via newsroom@greatergovanhill.com or by calling 0141 237 2350. To make a complaint, visit: greatergovanhill.com/complaints

Contents

Issue 11 August/September 2023

REGULARS

TO CLOSE

06

News in Brief

All the latest from around the neighbourhood

By Marzanna Antoniak

08

These words of wisdom from around the globe are all about the value of community and helping each other. Fill in the gaps to complete each sentence.

Volunteer Spotlight

Meet Kim Supajirawatananon who helps people learn English at MILK Cafe

09

Like my Grandmother Used to Make

Afghan bolani and chutney – from Freedom from Torture’s new cookbook

Rats! page 26

Răzvan Kim on growing up in Western Romania

Govanhill-themed Cryptic Crossword

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the __________ of others.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

34

“Carry your __________ through this world like a life-giving sun.”

– Hafez

This one’s a bit of a challenge, but we will share the answers!

FEATURES 16

Just How Effective is Scotland’s Free Period Products Policy in Govanhill?

We set off around the neighbourhood to find out

20

Peer Support

How the Roma community built a community approach to removing barriers

21

Changing Perceptions and Building Community Online

Dylan Lombard writes about using his platform to help others

22

The Beauty – and Challenges – of Motherhood Cover star Mary tells her story 4

24

Support When You Need It Most

Amma Birth Companions provide essential support to women in need

25

Maternal and Neonatal Health in Bihar

How community-led approaches in rural India are supporting new mothers

26

Rats! And how we tackle them

We took a look at one innovative approach

31

It’s Criminal: Exploring the Harms of Crime Reporting Through Theatre

What happened during a live journalism-inspired experiment at the Tron

Poetry Corner

The Long Road, by Jim Monaghan

“Even the weak become strong when they are __________.”

– Friedrich von Schiller

SUPPORT

“Alone, we can do so little; __________, we can do so much.”

– Helen Keller

GREATER GOVANHILL

“It is your concern when your __________ wall is on fire.”

– Quintus Horatius Flaccus

Like the sound of all this?

Want to help keep us going?

Scan this code to support the magazine by becoming a member!

“The only people who you should get even with are those who have __________ you.”

– John Southard “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands. One for helping yourself, the other for helping __________.”

– Sam Levenson

FOLLOW US

@govanhill_mag greatergovanhill @greatergovanhill

Answers in order: Health, others, service, heart, united, together, neighbour’s, helped, others.

Behind the Portrait

A preview of what to expect from our recent collab

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for __________?’”

– Martin Luther King

34

12

Mind The Health Gap Podcast… Coming Soon!

32

Did we mention it’s the Govanhill Festival?! So much happening, including events in our newsroom

My Life Before Govanhill

15

“The power of community to create __________ is far greater than any physician, clinic or hospital.”

– Mark Hyman

What’s On

11

Featuring Marilena Vlachopoulou, with photography by Simon Murphy

GOVANHILL COMMUNITY QUIZ

@greatergovanhill 5

news in brief

news in brief

New Openings PORTAL CAFE

Council double fly-tipping fines

New photo book on fatherhood

by Eoin Carey

Glasgow City Council (GCC) has announced they will be increasing fly-tipping fines in hopes that it will discourage people from dumping rubbish in public. The plans are a part of the Scottish Government’s six-year National Litter and Flytipping scheme.

Fly-tipping fines will increase from £200 to £500 and new powers will also allow the council to fine the owner of vehicles found to be fly-tipping.

Incidents of fly-tipping continue in Govanhill with residents complaining of issues of rubbish being dumped in back lanes daily. However, through a Freedom of Information request, we found that last year across the whole Southside Central ward (which Govanhill is part of) only 12 fines were issued.

Chris Mitchell, GMB cleansing convenor had reservations, saying: “The council put out a six-year plan to address issues of fly-tipping, but you need people to do that job and they cut staff by half.

You need investment in environmental health and if they don’t invest in it, this issue is going to continue.”

In Issue 5, we featured a photo series entitled Father by Eoin Carey. The project focused on all the small, messy, joyful moments you have when becoming a dad. Regular contributor to the magazine, Eoin took many of the photos in and around Govanhill. Now, the pictures have been put together in a limited-print book which is available for purchase at father-project.com

‘Sounds of Refugee Voices’ Runner up in Media Awards We are delighted to share that our ‘Refugee Voices’ team who produced a special edition of our radio show on Radio Buena Vida, following workshops we ran, won Runners Up in the radio category of the Scottish Refugee Festival Media Awards!

The workshops were run by Robbie Armstrong, giacinta frisillo and Jack Howse as well as Suz and David from Radio Buena Vida. During her acceptance speech, Arij remembered the first day she picked up the mic: “I was so nervous because I hadn’t done radio before, I didn’t know how to do it. And Robbie, he said to me, just say it as you say it, just be yourself. Don’t say another person’s words that you don’t feel. And I did that.”

Ibrahim also had some powerful words to say, sharing: “Being a media practitioner back in Sierra Leone, and now winning these awards after being in the UK for only three years – oh my god it’s amazing”.

Congrats to Anji, Jaafar, Ibrahim, Mohammed, Virginie and Ghislaine!

66 Govanhill Street

A new Turkish cafe opened this summer next to Govanhill Park (where the lovely Wee Plates used to be). This friendly, family-run business is serving authentic and affordable Turkish treats like simits (sesame coated bagels) and poğaça (buns stuffed with white cheese and olives).

SMITH’S VEGAN CAFE 459 Victoria Road

Smith’s vegan cafe is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am-5pm. They set up shop in July, serving up a selection of plant-based treats from vegan breakfast, to cakes, hot and cold drinks, soups, bagels and more.

The Scottish Beacon, a collaborative project from Greater Govanhill, launched Here at Greater Govanhill, we’re a big proponent of working collaboratively. We do it all the time – working with community members and other local organisations to share the stories from our neighbourhood. We believe that the future of journalism is collaborative too. That’s why, over the past year or so, we’ve been developing an exciting new project.

The Scottish Beacon connects independent, community-based local news organisations all over Scotland. From Shetland in the north to Dumfries and Galloway in the south, we’ve partnered up with nearly 20 other publishers to create a network for sharing skills, resources and story ideas.

But we’ve also launched a new publication: www.thescottishbeacon.com This will bring together the best quality journalism from Scotland’s communities, amplifying stories that too often go unheard and connecting them to better hold power to account. Subscribe to the newsletter to get the best of Scotland’s stories straight to your inbox.

Welcoming the launch, Jonathan Heawood, Executive Director of the Public Interest News Foundation, said: “We were delighted to support the first print issue of The Scottish Beacon – the COP26 special. And we’re even happier to see The Scottish Beacon becoming a permanent part of the media scene. Across Scotland, independent publishers are producing excellent journalism. They need a showcase for their work, and a network to support greater collaboration. The Scottish Beacon will provide both, and we look forward to seeing it flourish.”

Govanhill recommended to join Glasgow East constituency In a periodic review of UK Parliament constituencies, the Boundary Commission has recommended that Govanhill and Crosshill become part of the Glasgow East constituency after the dissolvement of Glasgow Central. The Glasgow East seat will stretch from Govanhill in its southwest extremity to Bailleston and Sprinhill in its northeastern corner. The seat in its old boundaries has been held by SNP’s David Linden since 2017. The surrounding areas of Strathbungo and Polmadie, which were also part of Glasgow Central, are now part of Glasgow South.

Romano Lav to open Scotland’s first Roma cultural centre Local charity Romano Lav have announced they will be opening a Roma cultural centre here in the Southside. The community organisation, will curate a vibrant programme of permanent and temporary exhibitions at the centre on Nithsdale Road, showcasing the very best of Roma art and culture. Their artist-in-residency programme will bring emerging Romani artists to Govanhill each year. The centre will also house a community archive, featuring collections produced by, and for, the community.

As well as celebrating culture, it will be a centre for Roma activism and rights, with a particular emphasis on youth activism and empowerment. It will be home to Romano Lav’s flagship programme, Community Catalysts, which is a grassroots equality and human rights programme Speaking about the centre, project co-coordinator for Romano Lav, Rahela Cirpaci, said: “Our dream is finally coming true! Opening a Roma cultural centre has been our dream for the community but also for all Roma. It will be such a wonderful and significant space for the young people to call their own and feel empowered – as well as the whole community.

As a Roma woman, I feel so proud to be a part of this project and this community, as well as to encourage youth activism. I feel like so many things will be possible in the new centre!”

Desks and event space available to rent in Community Newsroom We currently have desks to rent in our co-working newsroom space on 82 Bowman St. The space, which includes nine hot desks, also has a meeting room available. The newsroom can be easily transformed into an event space, and can be rented out and used for screenings, meetings, talks, workshops etc. We’ll soon also have a podcasting suite available for community use. To enquire about any of the above, visit greatergovanhill.com/newsroom, email newsroom@greatergovanhill.com, or pop in for a chat at 82 Bowman Street.

First Bus announce plan to scrap night bus services Last month First Bus, who run the majority of routes across Glasgow, announced they would be scrapping its night bus routes, citing ‘lack of public interest’. Three of the routes (the N38, N57 and N6) serve Govanhill and are a lifeline for many working into the night, as well as a safe option home for late night revellers. After public and political outcry, and fears over community safety, First Bus has delayed its last services from 31 July to 20 August.

While McGills, a rival bus company, have expressed interest in taking over some routes.

Sixty new homes to be built in Govanhill by end of 2024 Govanhill Housing Association have announced that they will be working with Link Housing Association to build 60 new homes at the Larkfield/Butterbiggins road site by the winter of 2024. The properties will be made up of different types and sizes including 28 two person flats, 24 four person flats, 5 three person flats, and 3 six person flats. More info on govanhillha.org 7

OXFAM MUSIC AND BOOKS 427-429 Victoria Road

This popular charity shop is moving to a bigger premises, finally bringing back one of the large retail premises that has sat empty for a while, back into use.

CHARLIE BROWN’S COCKTAIL BAR 441 Victoria Road

Charlie Brown's Cocktail Bar promises cocktails, conversation and community.

They’ll be up the stairs, where New Ghandi used to be, sharing the space with Japanese inspired restaurant, Daku.

HOUSE PARTY 525 Victoria Road

Proudly queer owned, House Party is a friendly and inclusive lifestyle store stocking products from queer and other minority groups alongside other brand names, selling anything from books, music, houseware, accessories and graphic tees. It's one of a number of new openings at the park end of the road.

LOOP AND SCOOP 515 Victoria Road

Loop and Scoop ice cream and churro bar recently opened up on Victoria Road, replacing the iconic Queen’s Cafe. Taking over a listed building has proved contentious, with many residents objecting to the changes made and the loss of original features. Ginesi’s who previously occupied the space are just up Victoria Road, making the Southside a popular ice cream destination.

GLASGOW ZINE LIBRARY 32-34 Albert Road

The Glasgow Zine Library, a ‘selfpublishing library and community space’ recently relocated from Cathcart Road and officially opened its doors on 29 July.

We can’t wait to see what they do in this larger space!

Volunteer Spotlight

like my grandmother used to make

Afghan Bolani and Chutney

As told to Devon McCole Portrait by Iain McLellan

Kim Supajirawatananon

By Mursal Noori

MILK Cafe

I

was at home watching the news and was just angry all the time because I would see all these stories about refugees and things that the government is doing to people coming to the country. I thought ‘this is just awful’ and I needed to do something about it.

So I started searching for charities in the Southside and came across MILK cafe. I used to pass it all the time, and got in contact to see if they needed anyone to volunteer.

One of the co-founders, Gabby, mentioned they always need people at the conversation cafe, which runs every Friday from 10am to 12pm, so I went for it.

I’m a stay-at-home mum and that was another reason for volunteering. It’s a way for me to get out into the world and start thinking about things beyond my house and my children. I used to be an English teacher for adults. I also used to work for a project teaching employability English to international nurses. I even used to work in a language school in the city centre for a bit. But I always wanted to do something a bit more helpful or a bit more social.

Outside of work, I enjoy all the usual boring stuff like reading, watching films, listening to music, or going to the cinema and occasional gigs with my pals. It’s just so hard to enjoy these things when you’re sitting at home, watching the news, and you feel really powerless.

If I can go out and do something positive and help even one person then that goes a long way. It also helps me feel less angry about the state of the country. So a big part of volunteering is about protecting my own mental health.

I definitely think sometimes you go into volunteering because you want to help other people but actually I find that the way the conversation cafe works is that it’s so much more of a cultural exchange – what you actually get is a sense of community.

You get loads of regulars that come in and they’re teaching you so much and it feels really open. There’s something about that that’s really nourishing and refreshing. And there’s just something about it that feels very Glasgow. There’s this practical attitude to the way MILK cafe and the conversation cafe operates, it’s very much like rolling up your sleeves and saying ‘OK, you need help in this way, well here’s what we can do that can help you.’

But at the same time, both sides are helping each other to learn something new and it’s just nice to feel accepted.

I get called big sister now by one of the women. It’s just a really warm and welcoming community where everyone shares in something beautiful.

I would definitely recommend volunteering at MILK for so many reasons. By listening to other people and learning their stories, you end up having these really interesting conversations. You take so much from it and I hope that’s true from both sides. We share ideas and tit bits from each other’s lives. It’s always a good mix of folk every Friday – people don’t really sit with the same people each week either so it’s not awkward. You get to speak to different people every week and that is really fun.

Ingredients Bolani • 220ml lukewarm water • 2 tbsp of vegetable oil and more for frying • 2 tsp salt • 1 pack active dry yeast • 500g bread flour

Bolani is a traditional Afghan dish. This recipe was passed down to me by my grandmother and my Image credit: Tunshi, CC BY-SA 4.0 mother. Preparing all the ingredients requires more time, but the results make every effort worthwhile. We usually cook this food to honour our guests and show our appreciation for their presence. By sharing this recipe, I can share my family’s heritage – and honour it. It is a reminder of the values our ancestors passed down to us, and the importance of honouring traditions.

Cooking bolani reminds me of the gatherings of my family back home. We would all come together to help prepare the ingredients and cook the dish. The process was filled with laughter, storytelling, and joy. Even though I am now separated from my big family, I still feel connected to them and our culture when I make this dish.

Bolani Directions: 1.

Add the water, oil, salt, and yeast to a large bowl. Stir and then add the flour.

Mix well.

2.

Knead the dough for three minutes, or until soft and elastic. Add a little more flour as needed if the dough feels too sticky to work with. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature while preparing the filling.

3.

Boil the potato in a large pot of water for 15 minutes, or until cooked. Then drain.

4.

Put the drained potatoes, chilli, salt and pepper in a bowl and use a fork or potato masher to mash everything then mix it with the chopped leek.

Chutney

5.

• 1 packet fresh coriander

Cut the dough into small pieces. Roll each piece into a ball with your hands.

Dust with flour and leave them to rest for another 30 minutes.

6.

Sprinkle some flour on your working surface and use a rolling pin to roll each ball into a thin circle with a diameter of roughly 20-22cm. The thinner the better, but not so thin that it will rip if handled.

7.

Before adding the filling, gently lift the rolled dough and heavily re-flour your working surface. Spread the potato filling over half of the dough, leaving a 1cm border around the edge.

8.

Fold the dough in half, over the filling, to create a half moon shape. Press out all of the air bubbles, then pinch the edges wwith your fingers to fully seal the bolani.

9.

Add 1 tsp of oil to a large pan over a medium high heat. When the oil is hot, add the bolani to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bottom is golden. Add oil if it needs more.

• 1 large peeled potato, chopped • 1 tsp green chilli pepper, finely diced • ½ tsp ground black pepper • 2 leeks, diced

• 1 head of garlic • 3 green chilli peppers (fewer if you prefer less spice) • 1 tsp of white wine vinegar • Salt & pepper to taste

10. When the bottom is golden, filp, and let cook on the other side until golden.

Then transfer to a cooling rack.

If you are interested in finding out more about volunteering at the conversation cafe, pop into MILK cafe at 452 Victoria Road, visit milkcafeglasgow.co.uk, or email hellomilkcafe@gmail.com

This recipe was first featured in the Freedom From Torture’s gardening group recipe book. The group meet at Pollokshields Bowling Green and first launched the recipe book during Refugee Festival Scotland.

The book was a therapeutic project that promoted a climate change initiative that the garden group members acted on by growing their own ingredients in the garden and using them to create their mother’s recipes.

Chutney Directions: 1.

Add the coriander, garlic, chilli peppers, salt and pepper to a food processor and blend until minced

2.

Add the vinegar and pulse 2-3 times, or simply stir the vinegar in with a spoon.

3.

Transfer to a mason jar, filling it no more than ¾ full.

Tip: Make your chutney at least three days before you serve it, the longer it keeps the more delicious it becomes (though it is optional). You can vary it by adding fresh mint leaves or fresh ginger.

9

advertorial

SERVING UP COUNTER CULTURE ON CATHCART ROAD

By Jack Howse Photo by Martha James

The Southside of Glasgow has become something of a destination for bibliophiles, with a number of independent book stores springing up in various locations. Burning House Books is one such must-visit for book lovers. Located at 446 Cathcart Road, it's pretty unassuming from the outside, painted black with name written in slanting white capitals.

But inside it’s a treasure trove of radical, experimental and counter culture offerings, tastefully arranged around a fairly wee space. We spoke to founder, Aimée Ballinger, who opened the shop in 2021, after previously selling from studios and car boots.

She told us it was opened on a shoestring, calling in favours from pals. “At first I was literally selling stuff off my own bookshelf,” Aimée recalls. You can still find some dogeared editions from her own collection amongst the art, photography, experimental and queer history books.

For those in the know, you could have guessed these genres were Burning House’s breadand-butter just from the bookshop’s name. It’s inspired by the work of David Wojnarowicz, who was an artist, writer and AIDs activist known for his filthy, beautiful and political creations; many of which contained the motif of a burning house. “Whenever I get someone coming in asking for a recommendation”, Aimée says. “I always give them his memoir, Close to the Knives”.

Aimée has hosted various talks, workshops, and book launches in the space, but that was all put on hold with the arrival of her new baby late last year. “His favourite is We’re Going on a Bear Hunt...which is good because Michael Rosen is a socialist!”.

Now that she is starting to get a (little) more sleep, the bookshop will begin to host some events again – starting with the launch of local artist and writer Hussein Mitha’s new book ‘Vegetal Soul’. Burning House is co-hosting the launch on 5 August with Rosie’s Disobedient Press, who they share the space with. It’s part of this year’s Govanhill International Festival.

If, like me, you find it hard to choose a new read, you can join Burning House Book Club, which you can subscribe to via their Patreon page. Each month, you will get the book club’s monthly pick as well as access to online discussions. There is also a monthly newsletter which covers everything from the (love)sexy radicalism of Prince to paintings of Highland cows hiding under Irn-Bru roofs.

RĂZVAN KIM

UKRAINE VA DO OL M

My Life Before Govanhill

BURNING HOUSE BOOKS:

HUNGARY

ROMANIA Timișoara

SERBIA BULGARIA

Interview and photo by Marzanna Antoniak

Where do you come from?

I grew up in Timișoara, in the western part of Romania, in a typical Soviet apartment block. Despite the challenges of the post-revolution era, there was an air of resilience and optimism. Timșoara was evolving, and we embraced the changing times, eagerly welcoming influences from beyond our borders.

Burning House Books is open Thursday–Sunday, 11am–5pm You can join Burning House Book Club at: patreon.com/burninghousebooks And subscribe to the newsletter at: burninghousebooks.substack.com

How did you enjoy spending your time as a child?

I was born three years after the fall of the communist dictatorship, when Romania was still trying to grasp the idea of ‘freedom’. My generation was mostly outside, eating unripened apricots dipped in salt and causing innocent havoc amongst our neighbours – boredom was not something we handled very well.

I was fortunate enough to grow up with a family computer thanks to my mother’s enormous efforts. Music was also always playing in our house. I remember being particularly obsessed with Engelbert Humperdinck, to the point where measures had to be taken in order to preserve the household sanity and the tape periodically disappeared and reappeared in mysterious ways. When I was about 16 I got my first guitar – everything changed after that.

What is your cultural heritage?

Your Neighbourhood Yoga Studio.

Offering you Yoga 7 days a week from our beautiful studio on Victoria Road.

We want you to feel good in your body!

Join us for classes including flow, yin, pilates, pregnancy yoga, sound baths, workshops, courses, community & more.

I am part North Korean. My grandfather, who was my only link to this part of my heritage, got deported shortly after my mother was born and it didn’t take long before all connections got severed. It left a rather large gap in my cultural identity. In Romania I was often referred to as the ‘Chinese’ kid, but in the West I was, funnily enough, Romanian. For a very long time I struggled with understanding who I really was, but eventually came to embrace and cherish who I’ve become.

What about your education?

After I took my ‘bacalaureat’ (Romanian equivalent of UK A-level exams) I enrolled to study mechanical engineering at the Polytechnic University. I quit after about six months, very dramatically, and wanted to pursue a career in music instead. Of course, the next logical step at the time was to go to culinary school in Hamburg, Germany – but that’s a story for another time.

And what about your working life?

www.studio70glasgow.com @studio70glasgow

In Romania, I mostly worked in hospitality and had a few IT jobs here and there. In Germany, I worked as a stagehand

for a few years. While in culinary school, I worked excruciatingly long hours for very little pay, I went from fine dining to food trucks and back full circle.

Nowadays, during the day I work for Community Renewal Trust as a community facilitator and I’m also on the Kin Kitchen CIC board, for whom I also host cooking classes sometimes. At night I work in the video game industry as an audio director for a few studios overseas. I do sound design, environment audio, but mostly music. I find ways to keep myself busy.

What made you come to Scotland?

It was a one way ticket kind of deal. My partner lived in Glasgow for some years and we had a long distance relationship for a while until I packed up a suitcase and made it over. I wasn’t planning on staying long, but here I am almost four years later. I never felt like I truly belonged anywhere. Tolerated, yes – but never wholeheartedly included. The concept of ‘New Scots’ is foreign to many countries, and I’ve raised many eyebrows going around Europe with a Romanian passport. But a border control officer in Edinburgh once told me ‘welcome home’ and it meant the world to someone like me. I’ve never experienced this anywhere else.

How do you feel in Govanhill?

I’ve never lived in such a vibrant and culturally diverse place as Govanhill. I’m a chatty person and luckily my neighbours share the same trait. A quick trip to the shops can easily turn into an hour-long blether and I’m here for it. Seeing so many friendly and familiar faces on a daily basis gives me an overwhelming sense of community.

Learn some Romanian Salutare! – Hello!

Bun venit! – Welcome!

Dor – The feeling of missing someone or something Bujor – Peony, the Romanian national flower Cozonac – Traditional Romanian sweet bread Bordei – Old traditional Romanian rural house Vorba dulce mult aduce – A sweet word brings much reward Zori de zi – The dawn of the day Thanks to Maria Marchidanu for sharing these words.

Marilena Vlachopoulou grew up in Athens but moved to Scotland in 2012 to work a hospitality job in the Highlands. With a keen interest in the music scene, she eventually found her way to Glasgow where she took some evening courses in photography, before finally deciding to pursue her dream.

She studied at Kelvin College, taught by Simon Murphy, someone she regards as an inspiration and a mentor. After graduating from her photography degree in 2018, she has become known for her music photography, carving out a distinctive style and niche. She juggles photography gigs with working at Gulabi, an independent film processing lab based just off Victoria Road.

This portrait forms part of Simon Murphy’s ‘Govanhill’ project. Look out for a book and an exhibition based on this project coming this autumn. Follow @smurph77 on Instagram.

I always had an interest in photography, but I went for a more realistic route. As a teen, I was advised to pursue something that would offer a more secure future. I was very conflicted.

I used to joke that I moved to Govanhill so I could qualify for Simon’s project. I also wanted to work at Gulabi. It sounds cheesy to say it, but I like to think that I manifested for these things to happen.

I enjoy the anonymity of living in a bigger place. That isn’t always the case here in Govanhill. I love the social aspect of it, but there can also be times where you just want to pop to the shop and buy pads without talking to anyone.

I’m usually quite cheeky and not afraid to ask for what I want. I know not all photographers like being photographed, but I enjoy being on both sides of the lens.

I knew Simon would make me look good and I really wanted to be part of the legacy of that project.

My own work is influenced by Anton Corbijn. He’s done all these amazing black and white portraits from back in the day of all the bands that I love. He also has this signature grittiness and contrast to his style that is rather distinctive.

My style is raw, honest, powerful and at the same time, a bit fragile. It can also be dreamy.

I do a lot of double exposures, especially at gigs.

Someone once said that the music translates to my images, or vice versa. I thought that was such a beautiful way to put it.

I’ve always been a goth at heart. I enjoy louder gigs. I love it when the crowd goes wild. It’s fun to get action shots. Especially when the fans have super cool outfits and freaky make-up.

Shooting film is not as forgiving as digital. The downfall with the darker and moodier music I like is that it’s trickier to document in the light conditions that I would want.

BEHIND THE PORTRAIT

Marilena Vlachopoulou 1

I don’t really shoot digital – it doesn’t excite me as much. I think you get quite spoiled with shooting tons of images in digital. Whereas with film, you have to be more selective and more careful.

Last year I shot about 100 gigs. I really wanted to challenge myself and also catch up with everything that I missed out on during lockdown.

One of my favourite images I shot is a double exposure of The Cure. It’s black and white with the faces of the singer and keyboard player overlapping. It’s another band that I hold very dear to my heart.

It’s kind of a slow burn at times. If you wanna achieve something, you just have to keep going at it and be ready for the fact that not everyone will like your work. Don’t let it get you down. Just show up and keep shooting.

Interview by Rhiannon J Davies Portrait by Simon Murphy

My advice is ‘Shy bairns get nothing’. Don’t be afraid to ask for stuff.

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Film processing and scanning since 2019 COLOUR • B&W • 35MM • 120

MIND THE HEALTH GAP PODCAST… Coming Soon!

By Rhiannon J Davies Photos by Rhiannon J Davies and Jackie Dives

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by drug related deaths there, such as indigenous communities, to get insight into the role of systemic oppression and see how healing and culture are connected. In the States I visited projects that also were able to meet and support people where they were without judgement, even one offering therapy to homeless clients, right there on the pavement.

Speaking more generally, she said: “Solutions are never simple. All of these cities are also in the grip of a housing crisis, the magnitude of which is hard to overstate. And they are battling to cope with the impact of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid which has turbo-charged this crisis and led to unimaginable loss. But our hope is that sharing some of these inspiring voices will help us think about how not only to deal with the situation facing Scotland right now, but prepare for potential future ones.”

Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated when the podcast is released.

Over the past year, Greater Govanhill has been working alongside investigative journalism cooperative, The Ferret, on a project that explores solutions to health inequalities.

Mind The Health Gap began last autumn by speaking to community organisations around Govanhill. We wanted to find out what the issues were – the barriers people faced, the health implications of them, and how they were navigating them. The Ferret then took these issues and delved into the data available to explore patterns on a Scotland-wide basis. We have collectively been reporting on responses that exist – here in Govanhill, across Scotland and the UK, as well as from further afield.

Our work also drew upon recent research into this issue. An independent review into health inequalities in Scotland published by the Health Foundation stated that the biggest issue was that ‘the health of people living in the most deprived local areas is being left behind the rest of society’. It also identified three areas of particular concern: ‘the prevalence of drug-related deaths; inequalities in the health and experiences of infants and children; and health and socioeconomic outcomes among young and middle-aged men’ Based on this report, we’re creating a three-part podcast that will focus on these issues in turn.

In London, we met with those involved with the Nurture Early for Optimal Nutrition (NEON) project, which has been inspired by connected work in rural Indian communities. Reflecting on the conversations we had, Greater Govanhill journalist Samar Jamal said: “Speaking to the people behind the NEON project was a hopeful insight into how health inequalities within the Bengali, and wider South Asian community, can be tackled effectively, in a community-led approach… We also saw how working with multilingual community facilitators who understand the cultural barriers made the space comfortable for learning and encouraged mums to implement the recommended practices.”

This approach of meeting people where they are is a theme that has run through all the solutions we will include in the podcast.

Karin Goodwin, co-editor of The Ferret travelled to the US and Canada as part of a research fellowship and will be reporting on what she found there: “I was able to visit Canada’s overdose prevention sites, meet the people engaged in civil disobedience in order to make those legal and hear from people whose lives had been saved there. I also met communities disproportionately impacted

The project is funded by the European Journalism Centre, through the Solutions Journalism Accelerator. This fund is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

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S

itting down to lunch with the Feel Good Women’s group, who meet at the Govanhill Neighbourhood Centre, we got talking about the Scottish Government’s free period products policy. Most had never heard of it, and those who had, didn’t know how to access products. Together we downloaded the government’s PickupMyPeriod app and were surprised to see that the centre we were sitting in was listed as a stockist of free products. On enquiring, reception staff presented a brown paper bag containing a handful of products. But there was nothing anywhere advertising this service.

This got us thinking. The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act of 2021 was declared ‘world leading’ when introduced. But just how effective has it been in getting the products into the hands of people who might need them most?

We set off around the neighbourhood to find out.

Just How Effective is Scotland’s Free Period Products Policy in Govanhill?

What does the act cover and how does it work?

The act places responsibility on city councils and places of education to provide free and easy access to period products for anyone in Scotland who needs them. The legislation asserts that period dignity is a right, not a privilege, and that no person who menstruates should be without reasonable access to necessary period products. The legislation also says that, within reason, people who menstruate should not have to ask or explain themselves when in need of period products.

Since the introduction of the act, Glasgow City Council (GCC) has officially committed to the provision of period products ‘in all Local Authority run education establishments… community venues and in publicly accessible workspaces’.

They are not obliged to provide to the third sector, meaning non-profit organisations are not required by law to stock free period products.

Before becoming an official piece of legislation, however, social enterprises and campaign groups like Hey Girls had been campaigning for years to end period poverty. In 2019, just a year after the company launched, Hey Girls began working with the Scottish Government to place free period products in schools, colleges and universities.

In Glasgow, Simon Community, a homeless charity, are responsible for delivering period products to venues that are expected to stock them and for this they receive funding. Before entering into this contract Simon Community were already delivering period products to community spaces in the third sector. Today, Simon Community is still delivering to venues in the third sector to continue to serve those that are most likely to experience period poverty.

By Devon McCole and Samar Jamal Illustrations by Issey Medd

What impact does period stigma have?

The introduction of free period products is one step toward creating dignified experiences for people who have periods.

But a secondary issue involves addressing the associated stigma. We spoke to the South Asian women at the Feel Good Women’s group about this. One said: “Men shy away from the topic so much that they often develop misconceptions on what a period really entails, which perpetuates a harmful narrative”.

Different cultures have different beliefs and traditions.

Another woman told us: “It’s almost taboo in the Roma community, it’s kind of shameful to talk about it.” Others told us that in their community, women who are menstruating should not knead bread or touch a bible as they are considered impure.

It’s also mentioned in other religions; many mosques state that menstruating women should not enter the prayer hall.

This stigma can lead to increased issues as one woman explained: “Many Roma women are suffering because their periods are so heavy, they’re struggling with health issues because of it. They’re not telling anybody unless they get really bad and the next thing they’re in the hospital… They even feel ashamed to tell a doctor about it.”

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One of the Feel Good Women’s group attendees told us: “It was very handy, but I wouldn’t have known I could go there if I wasn’t told by [project co-ordinator] Rizwana that they have these items here.”

An additional barrier is that the app is only available in English. Govanhill is home to people from all over the world, with Urdu, Punjabi, Polish and Romanes being some of the most popular languages among residents. One local from the Roma community explained: “So many Roma people don’t speak English, some don’t have access to the internet, or even have a device that they can have an app on. So I’m not really sure how easy it is for people accessing these products through the app.”

An equality impact assessment of the Period Poverty Act found that: ‘Consideration should be given to producing materials in languages spoken by minority ethnic communities in Scotland’.

This is yet to be done.

During a consultation by GCC into period dignity they also heard that more consideration could be given to trans and non-binary people by removing the need to ask for products behind a desk and placing them in more male bathrooms. The report shows that eleven percent of participants said they were too embarrassed to use the service, indicating more work is needed to tackle stigma. Some period points are already doing this, like the Burrell Collection, which also keeps products in male bathrooms.

There have been attempts to reduce stigma among young people. In 2017, GCC and Hey Girls launched a pilot in four secondary schools in Glasgow. The work was intended to create positive and accurate conversations around periods and ensure all pupils had access to free products. Since then the scheme has been extended to all 30 secondary schools in the city. A consultation launched in 2022 by GCC found that 76 percent of secondary students were aware that their school had free products available and 87 percent of those that took part in the research said they had used the service.

They’re not telling anybody unless they get really bad and the next thing they’re in the hospital…

They even feel ashamed to tell a doctor about it.

Here in Govanhill, Holyrood Secondary School has created a Period Dignity Group in which young people are leading an initiative that challenges the way people think about periods and reduces stigma by initiating conversations. A designated room has also been created for pupils to access products in a dignified manner.

How easy was it to find products around Govanhill?

From the venues we visited scattered through Govanhill, it was clear that most users could not take products for the entire length of their cycle. Indeed when filtering on the app, none of the Govanhill stockists listed ‘bulk supply’ as an option. There is only the possibility to take a few products.

Andrea Middleton, the Period Friendly Project Coordinator at Simon Community told us how the system works: “We contact the venues and ask how many products they need, we place the order and GCC buys them from Hey Girls… There are some venues we are contractually obligated to deliver to but we also wanted to continue delivering to third sector organisations, like we did when we started the project.”

One of the biggest difficulties is the lack of people able to deliver products on a regular basis. Andrea said that: “In terms of growing the project, we are wholly reliant on volunteers.

We need volunteers to keep the project going.” It’s a rewarding job according to one volunteer: “I’ve had some of my happiest moments this year cycling around Glasgow in the blazing sunshine (ok, sometimes pouring rain!), with a massive backpack that looks really heavy but is as light as a feather, stuffed full of tampons and pads.” But a shortage of volunteers limits the ability to keep the pick up points stocked.

How easy are free period products to access?

In 2022, the Scottish Government funded ‘My Period’, the education arm of Hey Girls, to release an app that shows where to find free period products. People can also find the information online using the myperiod.org.uk website. Users can even filter what kind of products they prefer. However, it requires local authorities to input data and when we checked, it still listed the Govanhill Library as closed despite reopening in 2022. This brings into question the accuracy of the information on the app.

According to a spokesperson from GCC, the app was initially promoted in public spaces during Glasgow’s first Period Dignity Month in February 2022: “This included being advertised on 100 buses, 90 bus shelters, all 15 subway stations and 40 subway carriages, and a social media campaign ran for four weeks where the app was advertised on Facebook and Instagram”.

Yet when we visited the seven venues listed closest to Govanhill, it was apparent most people working at these venues were unaware that the app existed. This meant that they were unable to inform users about the app which allows them to access key information.

Does it work for everyone?

Many individuals still face exclusion due to a lack of internet connection, not having access to a smartphone or struggling with digital literacy. Digital exclusion is a real issue for many of those who are already experiencing the biggest inequalities.

Increased advertising in community spaces could help but also displaying information posters in windows and notice boards as opposed to only in the toilet, as most venues are currently doing.

Glasgow Life have been working with Simon Community since 2019, well before the law came into place, to ensure people have access to period products but the libraries we visited only had posters about the service in bathrooms. We asked Glasgow Life about the limited information on display and a spokesperson said: “Generally the posters/leaflets we display are for people who are not online, we also have to consider the target audience for specific venues. Glasgow Life libraries do have stickers on their doors to highlight they are welcome places for breastfeeding and they are exploring a similar idea for period products.”

Digital exclusion is a real issue for many of those who are already experiencing the biggest inequalities.

What more could be done?

Our project partners, The Ferret, found that GCC is paid £620,000 a year to provide menstrual products in schools and the community, but spent only £110,000 in the period from September 2021 to December 2022. The council stated this underspend was due to venues being closed because of the pandemic.

In an interview about the act with The Ferret, Dr Jennifer Martin, a global menstrual health campaigner and founder of the Pandemic Periods project said: “This can be an effective policy, but it shouldn’t just be up to local authorities, who are very under-resourced and facing lots of different challenges, 17

I couldn’t imagine going to the library to get pads, I’d think to go to the pharmacy or the local community centre. to deliver it. This needs to involve public health because menstrual health is a public health and human rights issue.”

During the pandemic, Simon Community introduced small brown bags that contained products, to avoid others touching items. This was created as a safety precaution, but many women told us they were more comfortable reaching for these bags. However, Andrea from Simon Community explained that these bags were only a temporary safety solution: “It’s labour-intensive to make these packs and it depends on whether volunteers can deliver more products and if the venue can be stocked.”

Other locals have also said that the pickup points don’t feel like comfortable locations to access products from. A Govanhill resident said: “I couldn’t imagine going to the library to get pads, I’d think to go to the pharmacy or the local community centre. The community centre in Toryglen has made it really easy to take what you need and as much as you like, they have a unit that has large quantities of products available.”

It is apparent that people who want to use the service don’t want to feel like there is an unequal exchange or access the products in spaces that feel uncomfortable for personal items. This is why The People’s Pantry, a project run by the Govanhill Baths Community Trust, is such a popular period point. It is a membership-led shop that provides quality food at a reduced rate. Since April, they have been stocking period products, alongside other essentials.

This creates a more dignified environment for people to access products, explains Meli Vasiloudes Bayada, an administrator for Govanhill Baths: “We felt that the most vulnerable people were being left out of the conversation, because they don’t have access to the app. So after we spoke with the committee they expanded the service to the Pantry.

If you’re going to do your shop, but also getting pads then that doesn’t feel like such a big thing. Not as much as going out your way to the library or a space that you wouldn’t otherwise use.”

However, it is taking time for a regular and continuous delivery of products. We were told that pads were selling at a faster rate than tampons and there were prolonged periods before new stock was being received.

Due to stigma, people from some cultures can feel apprehensive about using tampons. As one woman shared: “I remember they had these brown bags filled with items, I picked one up but once I had removed all the tampons there was around one pad and that wasn’t very helpful for me because I don’t use tampons.”

Research carried out by GCC themselves shows that pads are the most popular period product that has been accessed at period point venues with 83 percent of people using them.

There is a need for more work to be done to consider the cultural beliefs of communities and meet the needs of the specific groups utilising the service, to improve the uptake among those most in need of the free period products.

Still, this is a new policy which only came into law in 2021.

In theory, people can now take free period products to cover the entire length of their period but clearly there are some limitations to delivering and accessessing the service that still need to be addressed.

To help the service reach its full potential you can support the work of Simon Community in delivering period products to communities across Glasgow. Contact Andrea on: volunteering@simonscotland.org

Where to find free period products Did you know the Scottish Government introduced a law which means free period products are available across Scotland for anyone who requires them, no questions asked? The act aims to reduce stigma and ensure the rights and dignity of anyone who menstruates.

Many local community spaces in Govanhill, such as libraries, stock products like pads and tampons.

To find out exactly which venues have products near you, you can download the free app called PickupMyperiod.

Urdu ‫کیا آپ جانتے ہیں کہ سکاٹش حکومت نے ایک قانون متعارف کرایا ہے جس کا مطلب ہے کہ مفت‬ ،‫مدت کی مصنوعات اسکاٹ لینڈ بھر میں ہر اس شخص کے لیے دستیاب ہیں جسے ان کی رضورت ہو‬ ‫کوئی سوال نہیں پوچھا گیا؟ اس ایکٹ کا مقصد بدمنا داغ کو کم کرنا اور حیض آنے والے ہر شخص کے‬ ‫حقوق اور وقار کو یقینی بنانا ہے۔‬ ‫ اسٹاک مصنوعات جیسے پیڈ اور ٹیمپون۔‬،‫ جیسے الئربیریاں‬،‫میں بہت سے مقامی کمیونٹی کی جگہیں‬ ‫ نامی مفت‬PickupMyperiod ‫ آپ‬،‫یہ جاننے کے لیے کہ آپ کے قریب کن مقامات پر پروڈکٹس ہیں‬ ‫ایپ ڈاؤن لوڈ کر سکتے ہیں۔‬ Romanian Știai că guvernul scoțian a introdus o lege care înseamnă că produsele gratuite pentru menstruatie sunt disponibile in scoția pentru oricine le solicita, fara intrebari? Legea are ca scop reducerea stigmatizării și asigurarea drepturilor și demnității oricărei persoane care are menstruație Multe spații comunitare locale din Govanhill, cum ar fi bibliotecile, stochează produse precum tampoane.

Pentru a afla exact ce locații au produse în apropierea dvs., puteți descărca aplicația gratuită numită PickupMyperiod.

Arabic ‫هل تعلم أن الحكومة االسكتلندية اصدرت قانون جديد بتوفري جميع املنتجات الخاصة بالدوره الشهرية‬ ‫مجاناً يف جميع أنحاء اسكتلندا ملن يريدها بدون استفسار؟ هذا القانون يهدف ايل الحد من وصم الحائض‬ ‫وحامية حقوق وكرامة الجميع‬ ‫ يوجد االن يف املنتجات (الفوط الصحيه‬Govanhill ‫الكثري من االماكن االجتامعيه املحليه التي توفر تلك‬ ‫والسدادات القطنيه) مثل املكتبات العامه‬ ً‫ مجانا‬PickMyPeriod ‫للتعرف عيل االماكن التي توفر املنتجات قم بتحميل برنامج‬ Slovak Vedeli ste, že škótska vláda zaviedla zákon, ktorý znamená, že v celom Škótsku sú dostupné bezplatné produkty pre každého, kto ich potrebuje, bez akýchkoľvek otázok? Cieľom zákona je znížiť stigmu a zabezpečiť práva a dôstojnosť každého, kto má menštruáciu.

Mnoho miestnych komunitných priestorov v Govanhill, ako sú knižnice, skladuje produkty ako vložky a tampóny.

Ak chcete presne zistiť, ktoré miesta majú produkty vo vašej blízkosti, môžete si stiahnuť bezplatnú aplikáciu s názvom PickupMyperiod.

Polish Czy wiesz, że rząd Szkocji wprowadził prawo zapewniające bezpłatne produkty menstruacyjne na terenie całego kraju? Są one dostępne dla każdej potrzebującej ich osoby, bez zadawania pytań.

Celem ustawy jest przeciwdziałanie stygmatyzacji, oraz ochrona praw i godności każdej osoby, która menstruuje.

Govanhill Free Period Product

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Wiele ośrodków społeczności lokalnej w Govanhill, na przykład biblioteki, udostępnia środki higieniczne takie jak podpaski i tampony.

Aby sprawdzić, które miejsca w twojej okolicy oferują te produkty, pobierz darmową aplikację PickupMyPeriod.

Cut out and put up somewhere to help others access products

PEER SUPPORT

How Rom Romeha built a community approach to removing barriers

By Benjamin Kritikos

A recent independent review of health inequalities in Scotland made for sobering reading. Scotland currently has the lowest average life expectancy at birth of all UK countries – one of the lowest in western Europe. And the differences between the most and least affluent is stark – the health gap between the most deprived 20 percent and the next most deprived 20 percent is often greater than between any two other adjacent groups.

Inequality even exists between different communities, including here in Govanhill. The Roma community in particular can face cultural, as well as structural, barriers to health and wellbeing.

With health institutions and government working at the scale of the wider determinants of health, there’s a pressing need for local solutions to these health inequalities, powered by the people most affected by them.

I spoke to Nikola Krugova and Ann Hyde from Community Renewal Trust Rom Romeha (meaning ‘For Roma, By Roma’) about two of their programs aimed at tackling health inequalities and improving quality of life in the neighbourhood’s Roma community.

Community Renewal Trust have been working with the Roma community in Govanhill for over a decade, supporting them in areas of community development, youth activities, employment and health and wellbeing.

Nikola told me about the weekly Women’s Wellbeing group she runs out of their office on Calder Street: “Before we started, many of the women wouldn’t even want to come and meet me at the office, I would have to go and meet them somewhere close to their flat. Some of the ladies have jobs but weren’t confident using public transport.”

The weekly meetings, which have been running for two years, cultivate a friendly and informal atmosphere that puts the power back into the hands of the women attending. Every week, the organisers ask the women what they’d like to do, arranging outings and activities like visiting museums in the city centre or walking the women through available childcare services and how to access them.

Ann says that it was a matter of boosting the women’s confidence to take part in the social life of Govanhill, to get them

feeling a sense of ownership and connection to what the city has to offer.

She points to the demonstrable impact that these groups have had on the lives of Roma women: “There are women who wouldn’t go outside Govanhill, wouldn’t use public transport, who are now using public transport and travelling forty minutes – because they’re working. It’s setting women free to an extent, getting them out of Govanhill, realising that there are alternatives, getting them used to public transport to take advantage of employment opportunities.” The effect has been to improve the women’s quality of life, their mental health and their ability to access child-friendly spaces outside of the home.

As well as the Women’s Wellbeing group, the team also runs a peer education program jointly with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), which aims to address the barriers of access to healthcare that many in the Roma community face – especially women. The team believe that tackling inequalities for Roma people living in Govanhill starts with making sure they’re informed.

The group runs for eight weeks, with each week hosting a guest speaker providing information about a different area of NHSGGC and the services it provides. This covers everything from maternity services, dental services and registering with a GP, to patients’ rights including the ability to make a complaint, and hospital admissions. The lively sessions “explain the whole primary healthcare system” in Glasgow, according to Ann Hyde – a big task for an eight-week program.

Nikola and Ann tell me that they’re looking forward to assessing the results as the group reconvenes in September, when they’ll also have the original peer education group members give individual presentations to the new group, sharing what they’ve learned and starting the whole process again.

With NHS Scotland facing unprecedented challenges to its delivery of health services, community-based solutions like the Women’s Wellbeing and Peer Education programs are a vital lifeline for underserved communities.

While the long term results are yet to be seen, there’s no doubt that making sure people feel confident accessing the services, benefits and simple neighbourliness available is a crucial first step.

Changing Perceptions and Building Community Online Words and Photos by Dylan Lombard

If you’re a regular reader, you may already know the work of local teenager, Dylan Lombard. His photography has been a regular feature of this magazine, since we launched online in 2020. And if you’re a Southsider, you’ve probably seen him around, camera in hand.

But what you might not know is that Dylan now has over 193,000 followers on Instagram. His candid posts showcasing his unique perspectives, his photography work and his performances with local disability dance charity Indepen-dance have gained him followers from all over the world.

For many, social media can be seen as a source of negativity, and does undoubtedly cause harm to some. But Dylan uses his online platform to raise awareness of work by charities close to his heart such as Changing Faces and Face Equality Week, which campaign to raise awareness about the prejudice experienced by people with a visible difference.

Below, he explains how building an online community has helped him to help others: I started doing videos because I thought that it would make me happy and lots of other people happy.

Sometimes I find it hard to make friends in the real world as it is sometimes hard for me to communicate with people, and I find it easier to have conversations with people online.

I have an Instagram page to post my photography and my videos. My main goal is to get my message across to people and to showcase my talents. I would say if you have something that makes you happy or something you are passionate about why not share it with the world.

Sharing my photographs and videos has helped me with my mental health and helped me to ignore all the negative thoughts and feelings I may have.

My videos try to help people who may be having a difficult day or if they are feeling lonely.

I have noticed positive things happen when I’ve been sharing my story through my videos as lots of people have been giving me positive comments and feedback. On the other hand, there are always negative comments and nasty comments, but they are not worth the time it takes to read or pay attention to them.

I have a huge passion for photography and I also love to share inspirational messages across social media. Taking photos is like a switch that turns off the rest of the world.

I love raising awareness about my disability which is called MDP [mandibular dysplasia with deafness and progeroid features] syndrome.

MDP syndrome is an extremely rare condition affecting only me and 15 other people in the world. I also raise awareness for people who have disabilities to help them to stay strong, to keep staying positive and to have a smile on your face.

Follow Dylan on Instagra m @be_yours elf_dylan

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The Beauty and the Challenges of Motherhood

By Mary Photos by Iain McLellan

M

development. As a mother, it obviously haunts me that this could be my fault.

Having two little ones, and no support was so overwhelming to all of us. We had financial issues because we were not allowed to work. Combined with family issues and stress from the past, it was too much to cope with.

Thankfully, the midwife connected me to some charity organisations which offered some support like counselling, regular visits and baby stuff. But this was not enough.

Things became even worse when our case was refused. We lost hope. For me, as a mother, I was only living because of my kids. I had to pull myself together and be strong for them, it was a very tough moment that eventually caused my husband and I to go our separate ways.

otherhood can be so sweet but it can also be very challenging, especially if there is no-one to give you a hand. Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn’t know you had. I believe that the choice to become a mother is the choice to become one of the greatest spiritual teachers there is!

“I can imagine no heroism greater than motherhood” - Lance Conrad Indeed, mothers are heroes. It does not matter what kind of mother you are, whether your child is one you birthed or not… As long as you are a mother, you are a hero!

But that doesn’t mean it’s not hard. Especially when you have no family support around. I am a mother of three – a ten year-old girl, five year-old boy and three year-old boy. I gave birth to my sweet first-born before we came to the UK. She was three by the time we travelled here.

One year later, we had our second-born. This was such a challenging moment for all of us. During my second pregnancy is when we had our case filed with the Home Office. We didn’t know much about what it takes or how long we would have to wait after the screening interview.

We don’t have any support apart from what the Home Office provides.

The situation was so overwhelming, and my daughter was confused. She was not going to nursery anymore like she used to before we came. We were moved several times to several different addresses including hotels and this was really not easy to go through.

I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, depression and anxiety and the doctor recommended that I start medication and seeing a psychiatrist. I developed mental health issues which affected our unborn child who had to be induced a few months later.

I thank God that my baby was healthy and strong physically besides having jaundice at birth. And I didn’t have any milk to breastfeed him. My blood pressure was so high that I had to be monitored and stayed in hospital for a further seven days while the baby was also monitored. Great thanks goes to Queen Elizabeth Hospital where I gave birth. They gave me all the care they could along with church members and the only friend we had then, who I rewarded by making my son’s godmother.

Nevertheless, as my baby was growing, he had developmental issues which he is still struggling with now.

He had a delay in speech as well as physical and emotional

“Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn’t know you had” – Linda Wooten.

In 2020, when Covid hit, we had our third miraculous baby. We had to be strong and ask for further support to avoid what happened with my second child. My new midwife connected me to a loving and caring charity organisation called Amma, which cares for prenatal and postnatal mothers and their babies.

They gave me a very lovely, caring mum to look after me all the way through, and this really helped me and the whole family. She was like a family member to me – like a sister you can say. On 2 May 2020, I gave birth to my gorgeous third baby. He was healthy and strong and has no health issues at all – I thank God for that. I humbly thank everyone, including my social worker, for being there for us during these difficult moments.

All our children are equally smart given the circumstances.

However, despite the sleepless nights and unlimited worries, being a mother is not only challenging. I believe children are a gift from God – the most beautiful thing there is. Knowing that you are there for them, no matter what, makes you their hero. Witnessing them grow, fall and rise, full of love, innocence. Kisses and hugs keep you alive for a reason. It is so sweet.

Being a mother, I have also learned that you need your own time and space to protect your sanity. Otherwise, it can eat you all up! And please, mothers need support, they go through a lot. Mothers need some time for themselves.

However sweet motherhood might be, it can also become overwhelming and challenging. Being a mother is actually a full time job.

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Support When You Need It Most

In the previous article, we heard how a birth companion provided vital support for Mary when she needed it most. So, we met with Amma Birth Companions to learn more about the work they do.

By Jack Howse • Illustration by giacinta frisillo

Improving Maternal and Neonatal Health in Bihar Words and photo by Dyuti Sen, Feminism in India

“W

“If I come in as an asylum seeker, it doesn’t mean that my body has collapsed or is fading. I can still have the same birthing choices as anyone else. If I want to have a water or home birth, I should be given those choices. But what I’ve realised is a lot of these women who come into this country are placed on the red pathway [the highest risk category for pregnancy]. Then we are frequently booked for induction which brings with it higher risks of emergency caesarean sections.”

In 2021, draft guidelines for induction were published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

They advised that a person from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds should be induced at 39 weeks; a week before what is usually considered full-term. The guidelines were retracted after outcry, but Amma still sees a similar trend: “We do see very high rates of induction at a point in pregnancy that seems quite early, people being induced at 38 or 39 weeks.”

Research has shown that, in the UK, when it comes to maternal mortality rates, women from Black ethnic backgrounds are at four times higher risk, and women from Asian ethnic backgrounds two times higher than white women. Another report by UK charity Birthrights highlighted systemic racism in the healthcare system with testimonies from both patients and healthcare professionals.

Yet there does seem to be some promising signs that charities like Amma are being listened to by public health bodies. Amma regularly meets with senior management in Greater Glasgow & Clyde maternity services.

Amma is also publishing a report based on the experiences of pregnant people they have supported over the past two years. A major change they are calling for is more interpreter provisions in the maternal services.

“Issues with NHS interpreting provision were recorded for 74 percent of clients,” says Sarah Zadik, head of services and co-founder of Amma.

“There were instances where the NHS didn’t have interpreters who spoke certain languages or dialects. This led to one person who had significant health issues, not understanding her health situation for several months. This can also severely impact the possibility of informed consent.”

It is hoped that the report will create lasting change in Scotland’s hospitals.

hen you’re pregnant, sometimes you’re tired, you’re hungry, you want something warm.” Vongayi Mufara says, catching a quiet moment in between entertaining her two-year-old. “But at the same time, you’re dreading standing up and going to make a hot drink. So if someone else walks in and says ‘Do you want a cup of tea?’ it just comforts you.”

Vongayi first came into contact with Amma Birth Companions when navigating this country’s healthcare and asylum system as a single mum-to-be. She was carrying twins.

According to Amanda Purdie, head of development at Amma: “It exists to support people who are facing pregnancy or parenting alone and for people who face any kind of barriers to care. We mostly support people in the asylum process, who are quite new to Glasgow and maybe lack a support system.”

The charity advocates for both a holistic approach and medical rights for its service users. It is made up of a core team alongside over 50 volunteers who support expectant mothers during pregnancy – from the third trimester through to postnatal care.

For someone who is new to the country and has experienced birth in a different cultural context, attending all the appointments as a pregnant person can be overwhelming, especially if coupled with financial and language barriers.

While seeking asylum, Vongayi was surviving on the Home Office allowance of around £5 a day. She remembers finding out through a third sector organisation that she could claim expenses from the NHS for travel when attending appointments.

“No one from the hospital told me I could claim this,” she recalled.

Many of those who access the service have preexisting experiences that can affect them: “We make sure we’re trauma informed in everything we do,” said Amanda when discussing the intensive sixweek training program for volunteers. “We’ll look at things like FGM [female genital mutilation], as well as what it’s like to actually go through the asylum process.”

Another main tenet of the training is learning about informed consent – meaning that pregnant people should only give the go-ahead on any procedure once being told all the benefits, risks and alternatives.

After a difficult pregnancy, Vongayi lost one of her twin sons, an experience that Amma supported her through. She became a birthing companion in 2021, before becoming vice-chair. Vongayi is a proponent of informed consent, something she thinks is not offered enough:

As mentioned, Amma seeks to centre holistic birthing practices, whilst also championing medical rights for their service users. In the following article, we look at how a project in India is training local women in villages with medical intervention knowledge alongside their traditional and cultural birthing practices.

24

As part of our Mind the Health Gap project, we are exploring solutions to health inequalities beyond our borders. Dyuti Sen writes for Feminism in India about how community education is helping to alleviate maternal mortality rates in Bihar, a rural and densely populated state in east India.

I

n India, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) are meant to be the key communication channel between the public healthcare system and the rural population – and one of their main responsibilities is to promote best practices around maternal and child health. Yet the ASHA workers are often overburdened and unable to provide the best possible healthcare to the entire population, especially in states like Bihar which have high birth rates. Usually, the communities from the lowest rung of society, for whom these services are critical, get left behind.

When Innovators In Health (IIH), a public health organisation in Dalsinghsarai, Bihar started working on a Maternal and Neonatal Health (MNH) program around 2014-15, they felt the need for an additional community member to support the ASHAs in addressing the healthcare needs of pregnant women and newborns.

During close interactions with pregnant women, the organisation figured that, in such rural settings, advice from local women who are respected and perceived as knowledgeable, highly influences their behaviour.

In every hamlet, there is a woman who is commonly referred to as ‘chachi’ (aunt) or ‘didi’ (older sister) who acts as a mother figure for others. IIH tried to work on this community knowledge and kinship through its ‘community counsellor’ program – by identifying and training local women from the community with best practices on MNH. These women, who shared sociodemographic and life experiences with the target population, proved to be social capital for the community and have contributed significantly in saving the lives of women and children.

Who are the community counsellors working for maternal and neonatal health?

The community counsellors are local women, well aware of the social structures and practices in their immediate community.

Initially, women who were already active in the community and were already helping pregnant women, were considered counsellors. Over time, it was seen that young married women in the community also looked forward to joining the program and learning new skills. The organisation supported the community with counsellors who are dais (traditional birth attendants), ward members, housewives and daily wage labourers.

The first batch of counsellors had twelve women and over the course of two years, 86 community counsellors were identified and trained. They ranged in age from 22 to 60 years and their education level also differed.

Many of the community counsellors could empathise with other women as they have faced similar experiences.

Nearly 14 counsellors have had one or more children who did not survive due to preventable reasons. All of them said that due to a lack of awareness and in some cases due to not having enough resources, they could not save their children. A common narrative was that they do not want other families to go through the same ordeal. That acted as a motivation and driving force for them.

What contribution do they make?

Counsellors have supported people in different ways – some accompany pregnant women from their hamlet during delivery, some help in organising monthly community meetings and there are others who regularly inform 25

the team in case of emergencies. In many cases, their prompt actions have saved the lives of pregnant women and their newborn children.

Rinku Devi is a counsellor in one of the most vulnerable hamlets where a majority of the population is Musahari community, a part of the Dalit caste. [Ed: This is the lowest level of the antiquated caste system, a socio-economic structure which still affects many communities today.] When Shobha Dev delivered her newborn at home, due to complications he had to be immediately admitted to intensive care. Shobha had no one in her family to support her so Rinku came forward and stayed with her for the next nine days. She not only took care of the mother and child but also taught Shobha how to breastfeed.

In times of adversity, Shobha found support from Rinku, someone whom she barely knew.

The community counsellor initiative

by IIH is not a critique of the existing community health workers provided by the government. From its inception, the idea has been to support the ASHA workers to provide the best possible care to pregnant women in the most vulnerable areas.

The focus has been on creating women leaders who are community beacons and can help improve the health outcomes of mothers and children, there should be more organisational initiatives that can continuously engage with these women communities and get them recognised in local forums so that their contribution does not go unnoticed.

This piece was originally published in Feminism In India and edited and re-published here with permission. You can access the original article, as well as all their work at feminisminindia.com

RATS!

And how we tackle them

Rats are an issue for neighbourhoods right across Glasgow, with calls for the council to take more action. In this piece, Coco-Nina C-J finds out how communities on the other side of the world are ridding themselves of rodents.

By Coco-Nina C-J Illustrations by Alistair Quietsch

26

ozens of beady eyes stared back at me as, standing on my sofa, I watched rats and mice run riot over every surface in my home. I begged my landlord to take action to protect me from the health risks that the squeaking squatters posed, spending sleepless nights taping down floorboards and emptying snap traps into overflowing bin sheds rustling with the sounds of the rodents’ relatives.

And I’m not the only one.

Whether a late-night scratch in the wall, or a full-scale infestation, experiences with rats and mice are common across all parts of Glasgow.

In our neighbourhood, there was even a recent protest, in which GMB union members joined local residents to demand council action over sightings in Govanhill Park.

Research has shown that, with over 10,000 cases in 2022, Glasgow ranked fifth highest in the UK in terms of number of rodent infestations dealt with by local authorities.

Glasgow City Council responds to complaints with its free pest control service, but many infestations go unreported, or are dealt with by private companies. This means these figures don’t reflect the true scale of the issue, or the communities put most at risk of the ramifications of infestations. Those in more precarious housing situations are often left feeling isolated and hopeless without the privilege of a proactive landlord.

Working in pest control for years, Kevin Pugh has seen first-hand the role deprivation and rogue landlords play in domestic infestations: “I’m always kept very busy in Govanhill… I do jobs for private domestic customers and also for housing associations, and some of the properties that I’ve been in, and the conditions that people are

living in, is pretty scandalous. They’ve got holes in their floor, rats or mice coming up into food cupboards in the kitchen, it’s not the way you would think people would be living in 2023.”

He explained that kitchens are a particular concern in homes and businesses due to disease risks from contamination: “A whole range of horrible illnesses and viruses can be transmitted through rat and mouse urine and saliva; you’ve got hantavirus, rat bite fever, leptospirosis (which is Weil’s disease), and mice transmit salmonella as well... You don’t want to get any of these.”

Kevin points out how infestations in less affluent neighbourhoods tend to be a result of uninterested landlords leaving properties in disrepair, rather than residents’ behaviour. He said: “You’ll find landlords, provided they’re getting paid the rent at the end of every month, are far less likely to be proactive about dealing with issues.

By the time we come to do a job, things have usually spiralled well out of control.”

Alongside inadequate rodent-proofing, fly-tipping and waste disposal issues in the area also contribute to the large rat population. “Buildings are getting neglected and then the knock-on effect is easy access to get in,” says Kevin.

A lack of communication between sectors has left waste management teams expected to work around rats. Pest controllers are unable to act on the rubbish which provides a food source, and environmental health often remain uninformed as the situations get worse. It has been suggested that the council needs to do more to coordinate efforts to make tangible progress. Across the Atlantic, New York has recently appointed a ‘Rat Tsar’ to oversee their operations.

Kevin agrees: “It would be good to have somebody who had some kind of plan in place and ways with different pest control companies to try and put the plan into action, because otherwise everybody’s working individually and not working as a team to try and solve the issue. It’s one thing doing jobs for individual domestic customers, individual businesses, but we should do something as a collective.”

On the other side of the world, Aotearoa, the Māori name for the country commonly known as New Zealand, is doing just that – using collective action to eradicate rodents and raise health standards, with its Predator Free 2050 strategy.

Following the example of local programmes and conservation principles of the indigenous Māori people, the initiative seeks to protect the unique wildlife of the islands from extinction. The aim is to eradicate all rats and other non-native predators, who kill over 25 million birds each year, according to the Department of Conservation.

The government strategy has helped scientists and communities collaborate and develop innovative trapping methods, combining new technology, like gene-editing and AI, with existing grassroots efforts and traditional Māori knowledge.

Allison Hess is part of the independent Predator Free NZ Trust, formed to help bring together existing predator control efforts scattered around conservation and urban areas. She said: “By working with different organisations and knowing the right people to contact, we provide a one-stop shop to help connect people with the knowledge and information they need.”

The plans still rely on volunteer efforts, but the government has provided over NZ$300 million to initiatives nationwide, consulted established groups, and applied some Māori knowledge to the strategy, especially whanaungatanga, which revolves around cohesive relationships between all things for the common good.

Allison explained: “Our initial step involved creating a map of NZ showing areas where major public agencies were actively managing introduced predators. We then asked private landowners, hapū and iwi and groups to join in on the action and be added to the map.

With a bird’s eye view of the predator free mission, we can work

27

Across the Atlantic,

New York

has recently appointed a ‘Rat Tsar’

to oversee their

operations.

8 Nithsdale Road, Strathbungo, G41 2AN together to fill the gaps and tell a national story.”

Hapū and iwi refer to clans and tribes of Māori people, who have a long history of tikanga (customs) focussed on stewardship and respect for the whenua (land), including their own trapping methods. Yet, there have still been calls for Māori communities, whose work in this area often started long before government intervention, to be more supported and involved in all levels of decision making.

Predator Free 2050 strategies have added to ongoing conversations of rights and reparations. Rats first came to the country on colonial ships. And since British colonisation, the indigenous people have been marginalised, leaving many living in the most deprived areas, facing higher risks of health issues and a shorter life expectancy.

Even in its early stages, bird populations have flourished, and the initiative has also been adapted to also help protect residents from the property damage and health risks of rodents. Predator Free Wellington has already eradicated all the Norway rats from the capital’s Miramar peninsula, as well as 90 percent of the ship rats, made possible by the hands-on action of many small groups under the umbrella, including school clubs and 36 backyard trapping groups,

0141 378 5111

“By working with different organisations and knowing the right people to contact, we provide a one-stop shop to help connect people with the knowledge and information they need.”

social cohesion, and significantly lower levels of depression, anxiety, stress and high blood pressure.

Rats are native in Scotland, and an important food source for our birds of prey, so complete eradication would be irresponsible for ecosystems, but rodents in our urban areas cause significant health hazards, and it’s clear more must be done to control them.

The success of Predator Free 2050 has hinged on the clear message that unity and collaboration towards a common goal is crucial, a sentiment shared by many here. Starting similar local collaborative programmes could provide some respite, and see our children learning through study rather than having their playgrounds invaded with rodents. But placing all the responsibility on individuals would be unfair. The involvement of the government in Aotearoa, with funding and oversight, has enabled long-term progress.

Our landscape and motivations to rid our areas of rodents may be different, but Predator Free 2050 is on track to reach its goals, and with results already been seen and felt across their society, could be an example for countries around the world to follow.

Glasgow City Council and GMB Scotland were approached for comment but did not respond before we went to print.

28

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monitoring and trapping pests in grid formations over the area.

Allison said: “It’s been hard work, but it has made huge progress, the project’s current phase involves 7,500 households, many businesses, and an international airport, it’s no mean feat.”

To Māori people, the connection between health of the whenua (land) and tangata (people) has always been understood and respected as part of their whakapapa (genealogy).

Research by Dr Danielle Shanahan has supported this – her findings show that trapping groups have made Wellingtonians healthier and happier.

Her study in Wellington found people involved in trapping to have higher

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arts and culture

IT’S CRIMINAL

Exploring the Harms of Crime Reporting Through Theatre

By Samar Jamal • Illustration by Chris Lau Manson

This one-off show was a thought-provoking performance which forced the audience to consider how crime is reported and the impact it has on people and communities.

I

t’s Criminal created a much-needed conversation by asking the important question: ‘how can we change the landscape of crime reporting to reduce harm?’.

The performance was the culmination of a participatory research project led by Rachel Hamada, investigative journalist and co-founder of The Ferret. The project aimed to understand people's experiences in the criminal justice system and the longterm harmful effects of media reporting. It also explored the way certain communities have been stigmatised by the media.

The storytelling project was a collaboration between Contemporary Narratives Lab, The Ferret and Greater Govanhill, supported by City University of London’s Higher Education Innovation Funding Knowledge Exchange. The research focused on people from Glasgow and particularly Govanhill, who have often been demonised by certain sections of the media.

The show itself portrayed a day in the newsroom where writers scour to find local stories but, more worryingly, find stories that can be exaggerated and sensationalised to increase readership and profits. It did not shy away from calling attention to the media's responsibility when it comes to fear mongering.

“The worst time of my life was narrated by everyone but me,” is a testimony from the research read out by one actor. This statement highlights how the media often controls the narrative. By failing to discuss events with the people at the centre of the stories, they are prevented from having any dialogue and providing readers with the whole picture.

The show also highlighted the realities of the justice system and the people who are

framed as guilty. As one actor explained: “You have a nine in ten chance of being convicted if you go to trial”.

Everyone involved in the play had been affected by crime reporting in different ways, creating solidarity between the cast and research participants. Tabitha Dearie, one of the actors said: “At first I was just really taken off guard with how many people there were and how much we had all experienced the justice system in our own way. And it wasn't like I did this and you did this. It was more like what the media is doing to us.”

“The worst time of my life was narrated by everyone but me” For Rachel, the diversity of the cast was critical to bringing people with a variety of experiences together and changing the landscape of crime reporting: “A lot of my job is learning from other people's work and collaborating. In my travels, I saw that they were doing a lot of interesting work in the US with regards to reframing crime reporting so it's less about crime and justice and more about community safety. And it's more to make things better for the people living in the neighbourhood rather than to sell papers and have the sensationalist factor.”

One of the aims for this project was to open up a conversation which may lead to changes in the way journalists build trust with communities and report crime. Rachel explains: “You want to change things and create impact and even if that’s just a couple conversations in the newsroom, that's great. There's also practical things which

31

could develop like potentially working with student journalist departments and thinking about how journalism courses can train people to report more holistically on what's happening, instead of just this herovillain narrative.”

Rachel also wanted the performance to encourage the audience to question their role and why, as readers, we are so attracted to sensational stories as well as the consequences this has for the people we read about, “I think there’s something with crime that it's particularly distorted,” she said. “Reading shocking crime headlines can appeal to quite a dark side of our human nature. And it's easy to keep feeding that.”

Although readers may only spend five minutes reading a story, within that time stereotypes and beliefs are formed which scapegoat the subject and leave them with a lifelong damaged reputation.

The performance finished with a discussion between the cast and the audience. Questions were posed to the audience such as: “How can we change the way crime is reported?” and “Would you trust the media to report in your community?” This led to a constructive conversation about where we need change and how we achieve it.

It’s Criminal is just the beginning of the conversation. Rachel hopes that with further funding for shows and research, there can be a serious shift in crime reporting: “There are the little cultural changes that can start to make a difference. I'm kind of optimistic overall, but this is quite a big beast to combat, so it will take time. But hopefully at least we started a conversation, which was really the intention.”

What’s On

Sounds Like Govanhill When: 7–9pm, Monday 7 August Where: McNeill’s Bar, 106 Torrisdale St, G42 8PH What: An evening of music and performance capturing the essences of Govanhill based on keen observations of a neighbourhood with its own unique character.

More info: Tickets on sliding scale £0–12

In Conversation: Harry Josephine Giles and local Councillor Elaine Gallagher When: 6–8pm, Wednesday 9 August Where: Bee’s Knees Café, 83 Bowman St, G42 8LF What: Ten years since Josie Giles’ second pamphlet, Oam, was launched as a result of a residency with Govanhill Baths, this is an opportunity to hear readings from this awardwinning poet. This will be followed by a short Q&A.

Jewish Govanhill Walk by The Scottish Jewish Archives Centre

We’re so excited for the return of this annual festival from the Govanhill Baths – and various local partners – back for its seventh year! There are a whole host of events that will be happening around the neighbourhood. For all the events and ticket links, check out govanhillbaths.com/festival

Govanhill... As I See It – Community Photography Exhibition

When: 1–6 August Where: Window display above The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale St, G41 2PZ What: This community photography project is part of Jude Mckechnie’s Govanhill Baths Culture Collective residency.

Through an open call, people living and working in Govanhill were invited to take pictures which they felt captured the spirit of the area on a disposable camera.

Vegetal Soul Launch

When: 3–5pm, Saturday 5 August Where: Burning House Books, 446 Cathcart Rd, G42 7BZ What: Rosie’s Disobedient Press is launching Hussein Mitha’s experimental, expansive and urgent pamphlet, ‘Vegetal Soul’.

The launch will be accompanied by a responsive window display featuring woodcut and charcoal illustrations by Isobel Neviazsky. Refreshments provided.

Govanhill Parade and Carnival

When: 1–4pm, Saturday 5 August Where: Govanhill Park, parading to Queen’s Park What: This anti-racist celebration of diversity and unity, will once again weave its way from Govanhill Park to Queen’s Park. Drummers, pipers, brass bands, jugglers, roller skaters, dancers and all the brilliant community groups are back too, and they are all ready to make some noise. Followed by a carnival in the Queen’s Park arena filled with music, culture and family friendly activities. Greater Govanhill will have a stall in the community tent there, so come say hi!

Irish Roots

When: 5–8pm, Monday 7 August Where: Dixon Halls, 656 Cathcart Rd, G42 8AA What: The influence of Irish migrants, on the development of the Southside of Glasgow and on the towns and villages surrounding it, is an important part of Scotland’s history and our heritage. This multi-part event outlines the history of migration between Scotland and Ireland and aims to challenge some of the myths that exist.

More info: Ticketed but free

When: 2–4pm, Thursday 10 August, What: Jewish people have lived in Govanhill since the beginning of the 20th century. This trail will trace the origins, walking the streets where the Jewish community have lived, worked and played. You’ll visit the locations of Jewish youth groups, communal organisations, shops, businesses and, of course, synagogues.

More info: Ticketed but free: trybooking.com/uk/CHWV

Fiere When: 7:30–11pm, Thursday 10 August Where: The Rum Shack, 657-659 Pollokshaws Rd, G41 2AB What: Join flos collective for Fiere; an immersive night of music, performance, spoken word and film by Glasgow based women and non-binary people. Inspired by Jackie Kay’s Fiere, the evening will celebrate the strength found in friendship and the family we choose for ourselves.

75 Years since the Nakba: Festival for Palestine When: 11–13 August Where: The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale St, G41 2PZ What: A three-day Festival of Palestinian life and culture will feature film, poetry, photography and political analysis as the Network of Photographers for Palestine brings you a rich array of attractions. They will be serving delicious Palestinian food over the weekend too.

Greater Govanhill Radio Show When: 1–2pm, Friday 11 August Where: buenavida.co.uk What: Tune in online or pop into the Radio Buena Vida cafe on Victoria Road to hear our latest show, produced by local community members during radio journalism workshops run by Ros Fraser here in the community newsroom. Will feature a range of stories combined with tunes chosen by participants and presented live!

Hai Te Ciravas! Traditional Romani Cooking Class with Mini Romanes Lesson When: 11am–1:30pm, Saturday 12 August Where: MILK Cafe, 452 Victoria Rd, G42 8YU What: Learn some basics of Kalderash Romanes and how to make some delicious traditional food – with plenty of time for eating too. Participants will receive a recipe pack to cook at home.

More info: Ticketed, pay what you can (£0 – £12)

Made in Bangladesh: Screening as part of Repair Cafe x Rags to Riches Takeover When: 6–8pm, Saturday 12 August Where: The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale St, G41 2PZ

What: Rubaiyat Hossain’s vibrant and hopeful film was informed by hundreds of interviews with female garment workers and presents an impassioned, beautifully crafted exposé of exploitative labour practices and the global economic forces that fuel them.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN

Margaret Skinnider, “Rebel Heart”

When: 7–8pm, Saturday 12 August Where: Queen’s Park Baptist Church, 170 Queen’s Drive What: Inspired by the revolutionary and trade union leader Margaret Skinnider, this powerful, moving drama is the fruition of six years of research and a major part of the efforts to achieve the rightful place in history for the Coatbridge born Margaret.

Govanhill Street Music Festival

When: Sunday 13 August Where: Various locations in Govanhill What: Celebrate the rich and diverse musical contributions from the artists of Govanhill with a line up that showcases the wonderful musical heritage, talent and skills of top musicians and performers.

These are just some of our festival highlights, but you can pick up a full programme from our newsroom or by visiting: bit.ly/govanhillfestival

OTHER EVENTS COMING UP Gorbals Today

When: Until 31 August Where: Gorbals Library, 180 Crown Street, G5 9XD What: Street Level Photoworks present an exhibition of photographs created by Gorbals residents which were made during a series of photography workshops at the library around the theme of Gorbals Now and Then, in collaboration with visual artist Bash Khan.

Threads of Migrations: Tracing South Asian Journeys and Celebrating Glasgow

When: 11am–4pm, Saturday 5 August Where: Tramway, 25A Albert Drive, G41 2PE What: In this workshop, as part of South Asian Heritage Month, young people who are part of Our Shared Cultural Heritage - Drishti - will lead participants in exploring, through photography, objects, and oral histories, the migration journey of South Asians across the UK and their settlement in Glasgow.

FONDS: GOVANHILL’S STORIES TOLD THROUGH OBJECTS When: 7 – 8:30pm, Thursday 9 August Where: The Community Newsroom, 82 Bowman St What: Greater Govanhill have once again teamed up with photographer Morwenna Kearsley through the Street Level Photoworks Culture Collective residency. Together we are telling the stories of Govanhill through its objects in podcast and photography format. In this event, we’ll hear about the objects, learn more about the process, and give you the chance to share yours.

More info: Free tickets from greatergovanhill.com/newsroom

JUNIOR REPORTER MAGAZINE MAKING CHALLENGE: GOVANHILL INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL When: Saturday 5 August & Saturday 12 August Where: The Community Newsroom, 82 Bowman St We’re inviting children and young people aged 10-16 to get involved in producing a mini magazine including reviews of festival events and writing about the issues that matter to them. This two part workshop will provide practical advice and support to enable people to produce their own articles.

More info: Free tickets from greatergovanhill.com/newsroom

‘APRIL 17TH’ ( 5 MIN FILM SCREENING PLAYING ON LOOP) BY ROMANO LAV When: 1–4pm, Sunday 13 August Where: Community Newsroom, 82 Bowman St, G42 8LF When there’s a party in Govanhill, a neighbour learns a valuable lesson. This short film was made by local Roma young people with Romano Lav as part of the Govanhill Baths’ Culture Collective project.

More info: This is part of the Radical Reels trail – you can also catch ‘It Will Start With Me’ by Glasgow Centre for Population Health working with a group of New Scots Women, playing at MILK Cafe.

Drop-in Family Workshop: Henna design and painting

Aya Kobayashi and Monika Smeko’s Wheel See

Glasgow For the Cuts

The Spark of Soul

When: 1–3pm, Thursday 10 August Where: Tramway, 25A Albert Drive, G41 2PE What: Join workshop leader Usma Ashraf to try the traditional craft of Henna design and painting, exploring its cultural history, motifs and techniques, and the meditative qualities of Henna.

More info: This forms part of an events programme inspired by the Jasleen Kaur exhibition, Alter Alter which runs until 8 October.

When: 7pm, Thursday 17 August Where: Rum Shack, 657-659 Pollokshaws Rd, G41 2AB A fundraiser with: Phil Differ, Josie Long, Victoria McNulty, Bruce Morton, Anne Normal. Compered by Jim Monaghan.

Supported by UNITE Community and Rum Shack. All proceeds to provide hair-dressing service to asylum seekers/ refugees “housed” at Erskine hotel.

More info: Tickets £10

When: Sunday 13 August Where: Across the Southside including Queen’s Park (Victoria Road entrance) What: As the UCI Cycling World Championships brings cycling mania to Glasgow, a group of dancers with Tramway will use their bikes to bring the beauty and strength of dance to spots around the south of the city. They will arrive at Queen’s Park at 4pm.

More info: tramway.org When: 2–30 September Where: Bees Knees Art Cafe, 83 Bowman Street, G42 8LF What: Roland Chin, who is the recipient of a Step into the Arts grant by Youth Scotland, will be exhibiting his photography and digital artwork. Roland says: “I named this exhibition The Spark of Soul as I aim to capture the most beautiful spark of emotions that my audience can remember forever”.

Y R R ET NE P O OR C

The Long Road

By Jim Monaghan

To those who despair.

Standing helpless against a relentless tide of disinformation of defeats and setbacks Those who feel that they cannot ever win a battle, never mind, the war.

Those who play a thankless part in a process that will lead to change, maybe not now, or in your lifetime or the next.

Your every action and word have a meaning, are part of a whole.

For those who feel they are wasting their time, It's a long road to revolution.

But without you it cannot be done.

You are the ant that carried the leaf, that blocked the hole, that saved the nest, for the future.

Those who do not know The importance of your own individual act.

You stood up you took a stand you fought.

You are the history of the world The catalyst, the glue.

Without you, It would never have happened.

CROSSMYWORD A Govanhill-themed cryptic crossword set by local group, The Anymen.

Hand in your completed crossword to The Community Newsroom (82 Bowman Street, G42 8LF) or send a picture of your completed crossword to jack@greatergovanhill.com by 31 August to be entered into our prize draw.

Answers, as well as a clue-by-clue guide, will be published online on 1 September.

ACROSS

ACROSS DOWN 1 Saucy container for sexual 1, 23 Fresh tacky pears in delightful orientation (3) patisserie (5, 5) 3 As well as to arrive audibly (3) 2 Itinerant Bourne actor climbs (5) 5 Papa’s not down with pastries 3 Tory element before corrupt giving young canines (7) dental lie for beloved local 9 No more lava eruption, eatery (11, 4) disregarding Etna for local 4 Green fingers around the organisation (6, 3) Southside might be doing this?

10 Fabric woven together at the (8) start by locals in No Evictions 5 Vaping quietly, victor switched Network (5) giving what’s on Victoria Road 11 Shy! Did I get confused with (6) another language (7) 6 Long tributary is fish, Charlie 12 First refusal, then it’s fine— removed followed by poet’s that’s hollow (4) avenue (11, 4) 14 Useless nun alters jumbled 7 Primarily island of national lights (8) acclaim? (4) 15 Endless 30a and peel back for 8 Lock in bathroom fixture loudly slumber (4) 17 Exist back in romantic meeting 13 Is there potato in this pudding? for discussion (6) (4) 18 Chaotic dare! Gran organised 14 Supermarket I would hide in (8) 50/50 (4) 20 Some of Glasgow with sunny 16 One with the revolutionary vitamin for feeling happy (4) badgers battalions (8) 21 First of Ginesi’s is cart in a whirl 19 Pact is about principles (6) of the stomach (7) 22 Wine in Brazilian city initially 26 Muddle. What the!? (5) juicy, appetising (5) 27 Sound of TV with reserve 23 See 1d. provides novel recording (9) 24 Jafar throws his hat a long 28 Putting energy into domains of distance? (4) responsibility makes sound 25 Fringe Irish guitarist (4) GORBALS TODAY - CROWN STREET CAMERA COLLECTIVE again (2-5) 29 Desolate initial Scottish AT GORBALS LIBRARY, GLASGOW UNTIL 31ST AUGUST promotion (3) 30 Article starts strike solidarity for MIRROR / MIRROR - JUNE BARTON, SPENCER DENT & JOANNA STAWNICKA donkey (3)

No more lava eruption, disregarding Etna for local organisation (6, 3)

4

Green fingers around the Southside might be doing this? (8)

10 Fabric woven together at the start by locals in No Evictions Network (5)

5

Vaping quietly, victor switched giving what’s on Victoria Road (6)

OSCAR MARZAROLI’S GORBALS

11 Shy! Did I get confused with another language (7)

6

Long tributary is fish, Charlie removed followed by poet’s avenue (11, 4)

A PERMANANT DISPLAY AT GORBALS LIBRARY, GLASGOW FROM 24TH AUGUST

12 First refusal, then it’s fine— that’s hollow (4)

7

Primarily island of national acclaim? (4)

14 Useless nun alters jumbled lights (8)

8

Lock in bathroom fixture loudly (4)

13 Is there potato in this pudding? (4)

9

17 Exist back in romantic meeting for discussion (6) 18 Chaotic dare! Gran organised (8) 20 Some of Glasgow with sunny vitamin for feeling happy (4)

The Long Road is an excerpt from Jim Monaghan's second poetry collection For Auld Intensive Purposes due to be published in September by Speculative Books.

Jim is a veteran of Scotland's poetry and spoken word scene, performing live poetry for over 40 years. He lives in Govanhill, is one of the founders of The Govanhill International Festival and a Director of Romano Lav.

DOWN

to theforfirst cryptic crossword set byFresh the Anymen. your 1Welcome Saucy container sexual 1, 23 tacky pears inDrop delightful completed crosswords into the Greater Govanhill office orientation (3) patisserie (5, 5)(82 Bowman St, G42 into our prize Please 3Govanhill, As well as toGlasgow arrive audibly (3) 8LF) to be entered 2 Itinerant Bourne actordraw! climbs (5) include your name and contact number.

5 Papa’s not down with pastries giving 3 Tory element before corrupt dental lie young canines (7) for beloved local eatery (11, 4)

15 Endless 30a and peel back for slumber (6)

Photo by Stephanie Gibson

PHOTOGRAPHY • PRODUCTION • PARTICIPATION

21 First of Ginesi’s is cart in a whirl of the stomach (7) 26 Muddle. What the!? (5)

29 Desolate initial Scottish promotion (3) 30 Article starts strike solidarity for donkey (3)

MIGRATION MEMORIES - MOIRA McIVER AT STREET LEVEL PHOTOWORKS, GLASGOW UNTIL 8TH OCTOBER

14 Supermarket I would hide in 50/50 (4)

FLIGHT - FRANK McELHINNEY

16 One with the revolutionary badgers battalions (8)

AT THE ROCKFIELD CENTRE, OBAN 3RD AUGUST UNTIL 13TH OCTOBER

19 Pact is about principles (6) 22 Wine in Brazilian city initially juicy, appetising (5) 23 See 1d.

24 Jafar throws his hat a long distance? (4) 25 Fringe Irish guitarist (4)

OUR SHARED CULTURAL HERITAGE - WORK BY THIRTEEN YOUNG PEOPLE IN GLASGOW & BANGALORE AT TRONGATE 103 7TH SEPTEMBER - 1ST OCTOBER & AT GoMA, GLASGOW 4TH OCTOBER - 9TH OCTOBER

FUTURE HISTORIES - AJAMU AT HILLHEAD LIBRARY, GLASGOW 31ST SEPTEMBER - 31ST OCTOBER

27 Sound of TV with reserve provides novel recording (9) 28 Putting energy into domains of responsibility makes sound again (2, 5)

AT THE TOLBOOTH, STIRLING UNTIL 23RD SEPTEMBER

Stuck with where to start?

Watch this handy video to get the pen rolling: tinyurl.com/GGCrossword

EXHIBITIONS • PRODUCTION FACILITIES • C OURSES • C OMMUNIT Y C OLLABORATIONS Street Level Photoworks, Trongate 103 Glasgow G1 5HD 0141 552 2151 / www.streetlevelphotoworks.org / reception@streetlevelphotoworks.org Image: Donegal Hill, Queen’s Park, Glasgow (2022) © Moira McIver

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