A club that supports children and families from some of Glasgow’s poorest households is celebrating after a five-figure donation from one of Scotland’s leading family firms.

In their first month of doubling charity donations to £240,000 per year, Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust gave £10,000 to The Jeely Piece Club in Castlemilk.

Jeely, as they are known, started 47 years ago in the heart of the community in a purpose-built play area for youngsters aged five to 12 years. They say the children who use their services are generally living in poverty, which means they do not get the same opportunities as others of a similar age.

“Life is harder for children from poorer households, and this has an overall effect on their health, well-being, and mental health,” said Jeely.

“Our play development workers work closely with the children, and they can recognise the signs of a child struggling. Currently, we are witnessing children who are hungry, not dressed for the climate, showing different behaviour traits, generally unhealthy, and who are missing out on other opportunities.”

The charity said many children in Castlemilk do not get the opportunity to visit the cinema, go bowling, or even have a birthday party – all of which adds to their frustration, low confidence, feelings of anger, isolation and embarrassment.

There were also the effects of financial pressures at home, as well as the continuing consequences of the Covid pandemic, domestic violence, addiction issues and more.

Jeely identified a need for a programme specifically for young people aged between nine and 12 years and started it in August 2021, since when 60 young people have been attending weekly two-hour sessions. When that was in danger of ending because of a lack of funding, the charity approached AVCT, who have now awarded them £10,000.

“The Jeely Piece Club is absolutely elated that you have awarded the organisation £10,000,” said CEO Elaine McKenna. “The difference this makes in our current climate is phenomenal.

“We plan to keep up our initiatives and plan for more for the future dependent on funding.

“Once again thank you for your support to enable us to continue our vital work within our community.”

David Facenna, Allied Vehicles Corporate Culture Director, who visited the charity to tell them about the award, added: “Young people have been growing up against the backdrop of the cost-of-living and other crises over recent years, and it must have been exceptionally difficult for them."

“The Jeely Piece Club does some brilliant work within this sector, and I’m pleased that they are among the first recipients of our increased monthly charity funding.”