ALISS in Wowland: Drop-ins at Byres Community Hub
- Written by: Amber Sharif — ALISS Engagement Officer
- Published: 14th October 2024
At Glasgow’s Byres Community Hub, something special unfolds once a month on Fridays from 11 am to 1 pm.
Every third Friday of the month from 11am to 1pm, the Wowers – the spirited women of the Weekday Wow Factor – join Hub volunteers for tea, chat, and a drop-in session focused on community connections. This welcoming space offers more than refreshments; it’s a place for support, rediscovery, and connection.
Discovering local opportunities with ALISS
A key feature of these sessions is ALISS (A Local Information System for Scotland). ALISS is an online platform that connects people with local activities, services, and support groups. Many attendees find it difficult to navigate the wide range of community options available, and this is where the Wowers and volunteers step in. They help participants explore hobbies, services, and groups that align with their interests, making it easier to find enriching local opportunities.
The Wowers are a testament to how engaging activities can transform lives. Many members, all women over 50, remember feeling bored and unfulfilled after retirement. Thanks to Pasna Sallis, founder of the Weekday Wow Factor, their days are now filled with joy, laughter, and exciting outings. “Before, I didn’t know what to do with myself. Now, there’s always something to look forward to!” shared one member.
The power of community: The spotlight section
Susan Grant from the Byres Hub introduced a Community Spotlight space, where local groups showcase their work supporting health and wellbeing. The first session featured ‘Writing Wrongs,’ a local writing group that has inspired members, many of whom had never written before. Attendees shared writings on the theme of time, sparking heartfelt conversations about the importance of sharing memories and stories, especially as they grow older.
The Wow Factor: More than just activities
While ALISS and Community Spotlights are valuable, what truly makes these drop-ins special is the spirit of connection the Wowers bring. For them, the Weekday Wow Factor is more than a group – it’s a community of friends who uplift and support one another. They inspire attendees to try new things, making the sessions a haven for anyone feeling isolated or uncertain about their options.
One volunteer observed, “This group has shown me that retirement isn’t the end of your story; it’s just the beginning of a new chapter.”
Holly joined a Community Spotlight session to present ‘Women on Wheels,’ a Glasgow-based cycling hub aimed at empowering women of all backgrounds to become confident cyclists. The group offers group rides, skill-building workshops, and bike maintenance sessions, fostering independence, new friendships, and a sense of freedom.
Holly’s passion for cycling was contagious, inspiring some Weekday Wow Factor members to consider getting back on a bike. For some, it was a chance to revisit a past hobby, while others saw it as a new adventure.
A vision for inclusivity: Women on Wheels as the norm
A key message from Holly was Women on Wheels’ vision: to make women cycling the norm, not the exception. The group aims to break down barriers – cultural, financial, or confidence-related – that keep women from cycling. Shgufta, the group’s founder, faced her own challenges as a woman of colour in the BAME community learning to cycle, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity.
The group’s welcoming ethos resonated with Weekday Wow Factor members, who appreciated the opportunity to join a supportive cycling community. Holly emphasized, “Cycling is more than just transport – it’s a way to build community, boost confidence, and improve wellbeing.”
Women on Wheels’ mission aligns closely with the values of the Weekday Wow Factor and Byres Community Hub. Both focus on creating inclusive spaces that encourage people to lead active, fulfilling lives. Whether it’s through cycling, writing, or discovering new interests, the message is clear: It’s never too late to find joy and community in new experiences.
The drop-in sessions at Byres Community Hub highlight the power of community and the value of staying connected. Unlock a healthier, happier you with ALISS – start exploring today. The next session is 18 October; find out more here.
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