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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
I would like to bring my family here to learn and use all the exhibits and let them know all about the body. Flourish House Group
ADULT FOCUSED COMMUNITY PROJECTS Since August 2012 the adult focused Community project has engaged with over 4000 people. This includes groups taking part in 4 week courses and ‘discovery day’ visits. Scottish Government funding has enabled groups to visit GSC, build up their skill set, take part in specially developed courses designed for them, contribute to informal discussion sessions, visit Whitelee Wind farm, the museum of rural studies, IMAX documentaries and participate in science shows designed specifically for adult groups.
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Thanks to demonstrable efforts and Scottish Government funding, Glasgow Science Centre’s community engagement initiative continues to grow; inspiring and challenging adult focused community groups to empower themselves and make better informed choices. DEVELOPING SKILLS & INTEGRATING PEOPLE Community development begins in the everyday lives of local people. This is the initial context for sustainable change, which is founded on a process of empowerment and participation. Community development grows through a diversity of local projects that address issues faced by people in the community. The Science Centre supports this through consultative development of themes and programmes relevant to each community group.
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The group thoroughly enjoyed their experience at the Science Centre and found it to be a positive learning experience. It was beneficial to see science in a practical way to allow them to gain a better understanding of how it works. Nicola MacTaggart Prince’s Trust Team Leader
COMMUNITY LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT We take a need expressed by the community, develop practical relevant advice and present the information in a visual and engaging way designed to empower groups to make better informed life choices. This approach has been successful in meeting the Science Centre’s mission to educate and engage with science, reaching a demographic that is traditionally hard to access and influence.
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Through direct discussion with local community groups we established that there is a significant need for budgeting courses, considered food choices and information on energy efficiency. OUR RESPONSE In response, Glasgow Science Centre in partnership with the WEA (Worker’s Education Association) and Zero Waste Scotland, developed a 4 week programme of practical, scientifically based tips and suggestions to save energy in the home, improve health and well-being and reduce our carbon foot print. This was delivered to six community groups from areas in Glasgow identified by the Scottish Government as ‘hard to reach’. Through developing the programme, we updated our ‘Eco-show’ which offers an introduction to renewable energies and what climate change means for communities; delivered by a skilled science communicator using interactive exhibits. The Eco-show is one of the shows developed specifically to engage with adult groups.
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I studied education in my own country and understand science, but need to learn better English. The 4 week course has helped me. ESOL Group
GET INVOLVED If we can work in partnership with you to help deliver your aims and objectives, and if you can help us with our mission, please get in touch with our Community Engagement Officer Sally Pritchard. Call on 0141 420 5000 or email sally.pritchard@glasgowsciencecentre.org
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A society that understands and is comfortable with science stands to gain a more prosperous and fulfilled future. GSC is an educational charity with a mission to INSPIRE, CHALLENGE and ENGAGE everyone with science. OUR MISSION “Thank you so much for organising such a wonderful worthwhile trip for families of Healthy n Happy. We are a charity who works with vulnerable people from deprived areas. These families face huge struggles in their lives: poverty, bad living conditions, poor health, financial difficulties and mental health issues to name but a few. The trip you provided enabled them to spend quality time together, to have fun and to put their worries behind them for at least one full day. This trip has helped them to make healthier choices and contributed to improving their mental health and emotional well-being. We cannot thank you enough. Your service is invaluable”. Sally Gillam - Healthy ‘n’ Happy Project Worker
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Glasgow Science Centre 50 Pacific Quay Glasgow G51 1EA T 0141 420 5003 E admin@glasgowsciencecentre.org www.glasgowsciencecentre.org