Thanks to the inspirational work of International Women's Group (IWG), a women-led voluntary organisation based in the St. Matthew’s Centre in Possilpark, women and children from a community of migrants, refugees, and others living in social isolation in Glasgow enjoyed a day of bonding, exploration, and quality family time during a special summer trip to Five Sisters Zoo.
Many of the women IWG support face financial difficulties, social isolation, and limited access to leisure activities, making this trip invaluable for families who rarely have opportunities for such outings. The visit allowed participants to explore wildlife, experience nature, and create lasting memories in a safe and inclusive environment that encouraged social inclusion within Glasgow's diverse community.
The zoo outing represented something particularly special as it was chosen by the women themselves, reflecting their desire to engage in an educational and enjoyable outdoor activity with their children.
Meriem Timizar, Project Co-ordinator at International Women's Group, commented:
"We wanted to offer mums and their children a positive and refreshing experience, and an opportunity to break from routine, enjoy nature, and return to school after the Bank Holiday with renewed energy and spirit. Despite the weather, everyone had a great time. Thank you again the Trust for making it happen with their generous funding; it truly made a difference."
The Group supports diverse women in Scotland through education, community events, and equality promotion. The charity delivers workshops and English for Speakers of Other Languages classes to build skills and confidence, helping women overcome isolation and poverty whilst creating volunteering opportunities that empower women to integrate into their new surroundings.
Through counselling services, advocacy, support for housing and immigration matters, and mental health workshops, IWG provides comprehensive assistance to help women navigate challenges of life in a new country and thrive in their communities.
The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust donated £1,600 in funding to make this adventure accessible to all families, covering essential costs including bus transportation, park entrance fees, and sandwiches for the group. This support ensured that the women and their children could participate regardless of their financial circumstances.
The trip provided a much-needed break for families whilst strengthening the community connections and wellbeing that can help diverse women build a stronger foundation for their futures in Scotland.
"It’s wonderful to see so many women and children from diverse backgrounds sharing joy and making memories together. The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust was set up to make a difference in people’s lives and supporting projects like International Women’s Group, that bring communities together and create positive experiences for families, is how we achieve that.”
