The Sew Fabulous group teaches local people new skills in how to turn old fabric, that would otherwise end up in landfill, into items like Bags for Life; purses; draft excluders; soft home furnishing which are then donated to local people. While the woodwork group Mending Castlemilk turns out new furniture from old to help new tenants furnish their home.

The two initiatives projects are part of Ardenglen Housing Association’s Pantry Plus initiative, a series of community-focused activities attached to Castlemilk Pantry. Activities are based around sustainable living and affordable food, which also includes cookery, IT and gardening classes as well as wider community events throughout the year.

“Our main aim for Pantry Plus is to build personal capacity, confidence and in doing so encourage our participants to be innovative. I’m delighted that Ardenglen can play a leading role as a community anchor in the area by organising activities that help improve the quality of local people’s lives,” said Ardenglen’s community investment manager, Fiona McGovern.

2Encouraging participation in community events like this is crucial in helping to build a sense of belonging and community pride in the area.”

Ardenglen manages around 1,000 homes in the Castlemilk area of south Glasgow.

The Pantry was set up with support from Ardenglen to address food insecurity currently being experienced by local people who are affected by the cost of living crisis. Membership is open to anyone residing the G45 area and costs £1 to join. Members can then shop once a week buying 10 items of fresh and packaged food for only £2.50. Since opening two years ago it has signed up more than 1000 members.