meet me in govan
Preface from Angie, Invisible (Glasgow) guide and walk leader
It has been 2 years already and both years were just amazing with amazing people joining every week. I was very happy to meet lots of new participants this year who joined our walks and actually keep coming every week We became a nice group of folks with a nice and friendly atmosphere. We even meet outside the Meet me in Govan and spend time together having a coffee in the PI or going to different events in Govan
Weather does not matter to our group, and we walk and shine even if it is raining. We also welcome dogs which I personally enjoy very much. It takes your mind off all difficult thoughts and gives you a wee mental health boost Having dogs walking with us is always a pleasure
As we aim our walks are very friendly, everyone is very welcoming and when new people come the regulars make them feel safe and comfortable. I like the opportunity to see the regulars every week and meet new people as well It is brilliant to get people out and about, beat loneliness and encourage them to get involved with the community
about us
Meet Me in Govan is a community-driven initiative led collaboratively by Invisible Cities (part of the Invisible Neighbourhoods project) and is supported by Govan Community Project. At the heart of the project is a weekly walking group that brings people together, promoting well-being and community development in a lively, interactive setting.
Our journey started in the spring of 2022, with our first group walk taking place on 27 July 2022. Each walk is built around six key themes that rotate regularly: housing, work, culture, community, youth and education, immigration and languages, and sports and well-being. Every Thursday at 10:30 am, we gather at the Pearce Institute’s reception and set out on our exploration of Govan Angie, our passionate guide, leads the group, providing insights on each theme. One of the unique aspects of our project is its inclusive approach, inviting participants to actively engage in discussions and share their personal stories These contributions help weave the rich, living history of Govan, adding depth to our walks. The rotating themes ensure that every story becomes part of this ever-evolving community narrative
Our walks proudly form part of the Paths for All health walks network, which promotes accessible, group walking in local areas Through these walks, participants not only make new friendships but also discover key local organisations, businesses, and social enterprises that contribute to both individual well-being and the wider community Whether you ' re new to Govan or a long-time resident, our walks provide vital information and foster connections with local services and resources Beyond the walks, we are also actively involved in community events, further enriching our engagement with the Govan area.
our aims
Understanding and Celebrating Heritage and Diversity
Deepen our appreciation of Govan’s heritage, diverse community, and natural landscape by exploring its past and present through our walks
Fostering Community Cohesion and Resilience
Build social cohesion by creating opportunities for connection, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging within Govan’s communities.
Documenting Stories and Creating Inclusive Resources
Preserve Govan’s voices and stories to create an accessible archive that reflects the area ’ s transformation and celebrates community richness
Promoting Mental Health, Well-being, and Active Lifestyles
Enhance mental and physical well-being through activities that encourage movement, mindfulness, and social connection in a supportive environment
Building Sustainable Communities and Project Sustainability
Promote community and environmental sustainability by fostering partnerships and supporting long-term project growth through volunteer engagement
Deepening Community Partnerships for Broader Impact
Expand partnerships to build a strong support network, increasing the project’s impact by connecting with community groups, businesses, and social enterprises
our adventure
Since its launch in summer 2022, Meet Me in Govan has evolved from a platform to explore Govan’s history into a vibrant community hub It’s now a space where people connect, share stories, and appreciate Govan’s unique character and hidden gems
In two years, our walking group has grown into a diverse community of individuals from all ages, backgrounds, and experiences, enriching each walk with unique perspectives This diversity makes our group a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone feels valued Remarkably, many participants have built strong friendships and connections through our walks, supporting each other both within and outside the group These bonds have made our walks more enjoyable, as participants share experiences and celebrate Govan’s rich tapestry together.
Our partnerships with local organisations have also deepened, adding invaluable insights into Govan’s history, culture, and community life. Key partners like Sunny Govan Radio, Florence House, Glasgow Science Centre, and Fairfield Shipyard Museum have played essential roles This year, new relationships with organisations such as Letterspace, Farrans, ACVC HUB, Life Link, Free Church, Wise Group, University of Glasgow, Film City, Elderpark Library, Elderpark Housing Association, and Govan Housing Association have further enriched the project. Each of these partnerships strengthens our community ties and enhances our participants’ experience
These new partnerships have added significant value to our walks and the overall project. For instance, Govan Housing Association played a major role in supporting our anniversary celebration and generously donated t-shirts and winter jackets to our walkers Each of these organisations has contributed in their own way to the growth and success of Meet Me in Govan, and we are incredibly grateful for their ongoing support
As our project continued to grow, so too did the number of exciting and meaningful experiences that enriched our journey In addition to forging new partnerships and deepening our community connections, we were thrilled to participate in a variety of social events that further strengthened our bonds and allowed us to share our story with even more members of the Govan community These events were not only moments of celebration but also opportunities for learning, fun, and collaboration.
We were thrilled to be invited to visit the new Govan-Partick Bridge in October 2023, where Marie from Farrans kindly gave us a tour, delivered an insightful presentation about the bridge, and treated us to a wonderful lunch!
In November, we joined the Weekday Wow Factors disco at Clyde Community Hall, where our group had an absolute blast The energy was high, and we danced the entire time, making it a memorable event for everyone involved.
December brought us to the Christmas Fair at ACVC HUB, where we learnt about the incredible work they do in supporting veterans We also had the chance to purchase some beautiful handmade items crafted by their members.
In June 2024, we proudly participated in the Old Govan Fair, a vibrant community celebration that has been running for over 200 years Our walking group joined the parade, enjoying the lively atmosphere and connecting with our neighbours.
In May, we had even more fun at the 80s disco with Govan Community Project. And to cap it all off, we celebrated our 2nd anniversary in style at Florence House in July. This very special event was made possible thanks to the support of Florence House and Govan Housing Association, who have stood by us on our journey Celebrating two years of Meet Me in Govan means a lot to us, and it was a truly joyous occasion for everyone involved
our network
Training and wellbeing provided by
GalGael, Wise Group
Sunny Govan Radio
LifeLink, Men’s Shed
Tanvir and his workshop
Disco with Weekday Wow factor
Free Church & Foodbank
Riverside Hall and Green Spaces
Special tours delivered by
Film City
Marion’ Talk
Letterspace
The Govan Stones
Elderpark Library
Fairfield Shipyard Museum
Glasgow Science Centre
Our community
Govan Community Project
The Pearce Institute
Florence House
Glasgow Life
Paths for All
Elderpark Housing Association
Govan Housing Association
Special events at
Old Govan Fair
Bridge visit with Farrans
Sunny Govan Radio live show
Disco with Weekday Wow Factor
Christmas Fair at ASCVC HUB
80th disco with GCP
2nd birthday celebration in Florence House
figures we walked with:
318 people in the first year
people in the second year 336
places we visited: Elder park, Fairfield Shipyard museum, govan stones, elder park library, men’s shed, glasgow science centre, letterspace, film city, galgael, clyde community hall, Riverside Community Garden, festival park, sunny govan radio, florence house, Glasgow riverside, free church, acvc hub, govan bridge, govan murals, mary barbour statue, and many others
WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY
At the heart of Meet Me in Govan is a strong community spirit, fostered by meaningful partnerships with local organisations Over the past two years, these collaborations have flourished, bringing people together from all walks of life and creating lasting connections across Govan
Our walking group is enriched by diverse community partners, from charities and social enterprises to museums and cultural institutions These partnerships enhance the experiences we offer, fostering a shared sense of purpose and belonging. We are grateful for their support, which has helped us strengthen our ties within Govan and broaden our community reach. Our mission to unite Govan’s diverse communities remains steadfast Central to this vision is the growth of our partnerships with local groups. This year, we continue to expand our reach, ensuring our project is accessible to all
We are committed to creating new referral pathways that connect people to our walks, whether through partnerships with local organisations, health professionals, or community link workers. By expanding our outreach and nurturing these relationships, we continue to build the spirit of togetherness that defines Meet Me in Govan Reflecting on this year, we are excited to highlight the key organisations and individuals who have made our walks more engaging, educational, and enjoyable.
Florence House
We are so lucky to have the residents from Florence House joining our walks! Florence House, a care home in the heart of Govan, has become a special place for us. Their residents bring warmth and joy to our walks, and we were delighted when Florence House hosted our 2nd-anniversary celebration this summer This growing relationship has brought so much happiness to both our walking group and the residents of Florence House
Sunny Govan Radio
Sunny Govan Radio has been with us since the very start of the Meet Me in Govan project, helping to spread the word about our walks and always welcoming us into the radio station for fun chats and good times They’ve become our key partner and have been fantastic at keeping our leaflets available for the community and, last November, we even had the chance to attend a live show. This summer brought even more exciting news - we ’ ve now agreed to have our very own Meet Me in Govan live show, broadcasted monthly with our walk participants! It’s an amazing opportunity for our group to share stories and connect with even more people in the community
Fairfield Shipyard Museum
Fairfield Shipyard Museum has been a wonderful host to our walking group multiple times throughout the year. Their dedicated volunteers never fail to give us an engaging guided tour, packed with fascinating details about Govan’s shipbuilding heritage Every visit brings something new to learn, whether it’s about the shipyard itself or the incredible boats that were made there. Our group always looks forward to going back!
Glasgow Science Centre
Glasgow Science Centre has been one of our key partners from the very beginning. They regularly host our group, and each visit is always a highlight for us! We’re especially grateful to Sheena, who always prepares a fantastic programme for us, and Bill, who engineers the Glasgow Tower and shares fascinating stories The Science Centre is a place where everyone in our group loves to go - it’s full of opportunities to learn about science, the environment, innovation, and technology
Govan Community Project
The Govan Community Project has been with us since the very start, and they’ve enriched our walks with their vibrant stories and diverse cultures After our walks, we love gathering at the Govan Community Project for coffee, tea, and a good chat This relationship has strengthened the community spirit in our project and continues to be a vital part of what makes our walks so special
The Govan Stones
We absolutely love visiting The Govan Stones This historic site is rich in heritage, culture, and history Each visit gives us a deeper appreciation of the ancient stones and the significant moments in Govan’s past. It’s a place where we can learn, reflect, and connect with the deep-rooted history of the area.
communication
To keep our community engaged and informed, we have continued to maintain an active online presence through our dedicated Facebook page @meetmeingovan, which now has around 500 followers This platform remains the best way for us to share updates, events, and photos from our walks. Every week, we post captivating pictures from our adventures, tagging the various places we explore and highlighting the stories we uncover as well as ensure that our community is always up to date with the latest happenings
In addition to our digital outreach, we actively promote Meet Me in Govan beyond the local community by attending the Invisible Cities Networking Events Held every two months, these events bring together both non-profit organisations to create new connections, build relationships, and raise awareness about their services. This is an amazing opportunity for us to promote Meet Me in Govan to a broader audience throughout Glasgow.
Another vital platform for promoting our walks is Sunny Govan Radio The station plays a regular advert inviting the community to join our walks, and our newly launched radio show has opened up an exciting new avenue to raise awareness of our project.
We were also featured in local news, with several wonderful articles written about Meet Me in Govan. These features helped spread the word and allowed us to reach new audiences. Additionally, Glasgow Life has listed our walks in their directory of Glasgow walking groups, promoting us citywide. Their support has been invaluable in helping us reach more people and grow our community
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, BUILDING SKILLS, WELLBEING
Mental Health Session
with LifeLink
Film City
Govan Green Spaces
Day Time Disco with Weekday Wow Factor
Elder Park Library
Letterspace
Zine Workshop with Tanvir
AREA OF DEVELOPMENT
The Meet Me in Govan project has become a valued part of the community, providing a space for connection, growth, and regular gatherings Looking ahead, we ’ re excited to expand through new connections, collaborations, and learning opportunities
Building New Relationships in Govan and Beyond
We’re committed to strengthening ties with local non-profits, individuals, and businesses This year, we aim to broaden our network, welcoming diverse members to make Meet Me in Govan even more inclusive and reflective of Govan’s diversity
Crossing the Bridge to New Horizons
The Govan-Partick bridge opens a wonderful opportunity to connect with organisations and businesses across the River Clyde, especially in Partick and the West End, like The Annexe, Riverside Museum, SWG3 & Yardworks This expansion will help us introduce new faces to Govan and create a fun, enriching exchange between communities
Increasing Workshops and Training Opportunities
Our walkers enjoyed a series of workshops and training sessions this year, which made a positive impact on the group We aim to offer more hands-on learning opportunities, supporting participants’ personal growth and enhancing the Meet Me in Govan experience.
Importance of Volunteers
Volunteers play a vital role in making each walk a positive experience, helping to facilitate the walks, share knowledge, and foster a welcoming atmosphere We always welcome new volunteers and look forward to growing our volunteer community to sustain the project
thank
you!
This year has been another inspiring chapter for Meet Me in Govan, as we continue to celebrate Govan’s rich history, foster community connections, and welcome diverse voices to our walking group Over the past two years, our walks have evolved into a thriving community hub where friendships flourish, stories are shared, and a sense of belonging grows with every step.
Our progress and impact would not have been possible without the incredible support we ’ ve received along the way We extend our heartfelt thanks to Farrans Constructions and Glasgow Riverside Innovation District whose support has played a key role in enabling us to bring Govan’s stories to life and create meaningful experiences for our walkers Their backing strengthens our mission to build a vibrant, inclusive community.
As we look to the future, we are excited to continue expanding our reach - crossing bridges, forging new partnerships, and welcoming even more participants to join us on this journey Together, we hope to celebrate many more years of exploration, connection, and community spirit.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of Meet Me in Govan’s story. Your involvement and enthusiasm are the heart of everything we do!
testimonials
“I enjoy the weekly walks Being retired and not really knowing a lot of people in the area, this has been a good thing for me. The visits to various places are great, in fact as a result of the visit to GalGael, my other half has been going there twice a week after I told him about our visit there Before that he was sitting at home every day So, the group has helped both of us!” Sarah
“As a professional working in the area and have now attended a few of the walks it is not only great for your wellbeing but a great way to meet the local people of Govan whether that is on the walks or visiting local venues I have learned a whole host of information from all participants and has also been a great opportunity to collaborate with community representatives and further professionals Great work!” Georgina
“I have been coming to the "Meet me in Govan" walks since they started I really enjoy my time with the group and always feel welcome, included and positive with the group It is great to get some exercise every week and it has really helped my mental and physical health I love exploring new places with the group I always learn something new and interesting every week! We have had the opportunity to visit so many interesting places. At Film City Glasgow we got the chance to learn about TV and film production On our amazing trip to SWG3 Galvanizers we got the chance to learn about street art projects in our local communities I would totally recommend the group to everyone , it is so friendly and fun ” Wendy
I moved to Govan just over a year ago and joined the walking group, Meet Me In Govan, straight away But MMIG is so much more than a walking group It was like an open door to new people, new organisations and a new and interesting area Being able to bring Poppy, my dog, along for the walks meant she made lots of new friends too and was always popular with the other walkers Thank you MMIG
David
Meet me in Govan is an organisation that is utilised by ourselves at Florence House. Whatever the weather our residents look forward to informative weekly sessions about their local area and beyond. Michaela and the team are welcoming and supportive to the community and ourselves at Florence House The partnership working we have is fantastic and hopefully this continues for many years to come Meet me in Govan has also allowed Florence House to establish other links within the community which has been extremely successful and beneficial One of our residents has recently become a volunteer for Meet me in Govan. This is an amazing outcome for this gentleman not only for his sense of wellbeing but also to ensure his sense of purpose Nick, manager at Florence House
“I like the Meet Me In Govan walks for a number of reasons The walks allow me to get out of the home and meet new people. Everyone has been so welcoming since I first joined and I am always greeted with smiles when I arrive on a Thursday morning It is something that I look forward to on a weekly basis and gets me out of the home for a nice amount of time Making sure I am outside as much as possible is something that is really important to me. I always have a great time at the walks as it has allowed me to meet a group of new people who have been very welcoming One of the other things I like about the walking group is that everyone gets on with one another There is a lot of kindness from such a small group and this is always nice to be around!” Jennifer
“The walking group is one of the highlights of my week I enjoy this as it is a consistent reason for me getting out of the home I like to be in the fresh air as much as possible and it has been great to meet many new people, with a good mix of familiar faces and new faces each time This is great for me as it allows me to build relationships and gives me confidence in myself that I was previously struggling a bit with. The group has given me confidence to say hello to people and to chat away to new people Something that I may have not done before The walking group is always full of new experiences for me and my new friends. We go to many different places, and more importantly, places that I would never have gone had I not been part of such a welcoming environment ” Stephen
