From Fish Supper Fridays to Country & Western nights there’s always something happening at the OKFP Community Hub and Chatty Cafe.
The emergency food aid charity hosts regular events to help bring the community together and reduce isolation.
Maureen Cummings, OKFP director, explained: “We have a Fish Supper Friday every other month and then a community event in between.
“In January we partnered with Police Scotland for our Fish Supper night and had 12 young volunteers who came along to look after our guests.
“Then we had a Palentine’s Night in February as lots of our volunteers live alone and Valentine’s week can be quite isolating.
“This was an opportunity to celebrate it with their pals.”
With a buffet, movie screening, music and dancing, the evening was hailed a big success by all involved.
Maureen added: “All our community nights this year have sold out with 40 people at every event, we’re even taking bookings in advance for the Fish Supper Fridays.”
The charity is keen to work with local groups and organisations to build partnerships which benefit people from all walks of life.
As a result of their work with Police Scotland the OKFP Hub is now a Keep Safe space registered on Police Scotland’s website.
This means anyone who is vulnerable, unwell or at risk, know they will find a safe and supported space with someone to talk to at the OKFP Hub.
They have also hosted visits from three local primary schools with over 100 pupils given a guided tour of the community space.
This has inspired plans which could see school eco-pantries established to challenge stigma often associated with poverty.
To support Ukrainian families now living in West Dunbartonshire, OKFP organised an Ukrainian Day with food donated by Domino’s Pizza, McDonalds and Greedy G’s in Clydebank.
Maureen said: “This gave the families a chance to get to know each other and the children were able to speak to other kids in their own language.
“We screened walking tours around several Ukrainian towns and the women made camouflage nets from old sheets to send home.
“We put out an appeal for toiletries and received 125kg of items, and the women raised funds to send them to Ukraine.
“It was a truly inspiring event and we all learned from each other.”
You can follow OKFP on Facebook to keep up to date with all the goings on at the Hub or click the QR code to download their new app to your phone.
Here you can find all their latest events, donate directly to the charity or purchase items from their Amazon Wishlist.
Donations of food/toiletries can also be dropped at the OKFP Hub, Unit 5 Station Road Industrial Estate G60 5LP Monday to Friday 12 – 4pm or online at www.okfp.org.uk
Maureen added: “However you want to get involved we would love you to be part of our OKFP community.”