Meet the charity bringing back a 'community spirit' to Clydebank

Catherine Boyle started Community Spirit with the idea she could help bring a sense of togetherness back to the area.

Starting five years ago with just four women she now fills the hall they rent at the Albion Social Club with people from every kind of background who say they need help getting out of their homes and tackling mental health challenges.

One club member Andrew McKinnon struggled to cope with many new challenges in his life including the tragic loss of his wife until Catherine stepped in to help him.

Andrew, left, with his friend at the Albion Social Club (Image: Newsquest) Andrew said: "I lost my wife and a lot happened. I got diagnosed with cancer and I broke my back.

"I’m in a good place now, Catherine is a great person and she has helped me a lot. There was a night at McNabbs [local pub] and I told her 'I don’t go out anymore' and she said ‘Be ready for half seven’ and she picked me up and took me there.

"I couldn’t speak more highly of these people."

The group offers members soup and a sandwich on the house as well as the opportunity to take part in bingo, deal or no deal, and raffles.

Alongside this guest singers are a regular appearance with the next night being a Rod Stewart tribute at the end of the month.

Debra Gold came along to Community Spirit four years ago to make some more friends and help with her shy nature.

Debra has been at the club for four years (Image: Newsquest) She enjoyed herself so much that she now volunteers in the kitchen and hosts events like bingo.

Debra said: "One of my friends mentioned it and said I could meet more people here. Then somebody said I should become a volunteer because I’m quite shy. Now it's brought me out of my shell and I can do everything.

"It’s a big confidence boost and the thing that makes it worthwhile is seeing everyone’s faces when they come into the hall.”

Debra made one new friend at the club in particular, William, who has now been her partner for two years.

Taking place every Monday it gives a chance for people from care homes, those with carers and additional needs an opportunity to mix with other people - and even have a boogie.

Ann, left, and Joan met at the club (Image: Newsquest) Ann McCabe and Joan Smith who are now board members say they can't boast enough about the group.

Ann said: “This is absolutely brilliant for everyone. The homes bring in patients and get them free soups and sandwiches. People get up to dance and there’s a singer every Monday.

“We are pleased to see people coming from the homes as it is nice to see them out and they get company here.”

Joan added: “I retired four years ago and I was really down and out, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with myself. I asked Catherine if I could join and I sat in a corner by myself until she came and introduced me to Ann and we have been friends ever since."

Catherine founded the club five years ago (Image: Newsquest) Catherine who uses whatever spare time she can to organise the group says it has even made a benefit to her family.

She said: "It's been five years now and I've worked with different charities and volunteer work all my life.

"I've always wanted to do something and one day I just went for it. I started it as just one day then after a while we registered as a charity.

"We are relaxed in here and you just get to know everyone so well.

"It is to get people out of their houses and meet folk. We have had people come in that have been on their own."

Her son, Michael, who has autism was given a chance to work in the kitchen and Catherine says the change in him has been 'dramatic'.

Catherine added; "My son Michael does the kitchen and he’s autistic but since he has been here the change has been dramatic and unbelievable. He has come out of his shell and he talks to people now, he never used to. I never thought I'd get to say that.

"It's like a family here, we call it the ‘spirit family.’"