Mearns Kirk

I’ve always felt a certain sympathy for those that have fallen on hard times; so, when I finally retired in 2022, as result of my connection with Mearns Kirk Church, I had  heard about the Lodging House Mission. LHM provides care and support to  homeless, vulnerable and socially excluded people.

I work at LHM one day a week; getting up at 6.30 and take the bus from Mearns  cross at 7:20, to Central Station, then walk along Candleriggs to the Lodging House  near The Barrowlands. We start at 8:30 by which time a queue of people has built up  waiting for hot drinks and a cooked breakfast. Our role is to serve the food and drinks as required and then a lunch of soup, main course and sweet from 12:00 until 2:00  pm.

As a volunteer, our role is not only to serve the “service users” but to also spend  some time chatting and interacting. For these men and women this  interaction/company is as important as the food which they receive for free.  Hopefully, we can get to understand and listen as they offload/talk about some of  their personal issues. In many instances it is for this company and friendship and  friendly ear that many of the users come along. Many of them have major challenges  in their lives, often related to alcohol or drugs as a result of previous personal issues, so to me one of the most rewarding aspects is to hear how grateful they are and how  much they appreciate what LHM is doing for them.

LHM relies very largely on donations from the various churches throughout Glasgow  and is extremely grateful to the amazing generosity of the Mearns Kirk congregation;  for without these donations LHM could not provide the meals and other support  which help the service users start to manage their lives.