Scottish Friendly colleagues volunteer at Action for Children’s Short Breaks service for the second year running

A team of 16 colleagues from Scottish Friendly spent two days volunteering at Action for Children’s Renfrewshire Short Breaks service in Kilbarchan.

Known locally as Loom Walk, the service gives children and young people aged 5 to 18 — including those with complex health needs and learning difficulties — a safe and nurturing place to build life skills, socialise and grow in confidence. It also provides vital respite for families and carers.

The volunteers helped restore the centre’s indoor spaces, repairing surfaces and doors, giving fresh coats of paint to bedrooms, radiators and communal areas such as the living and dining rooms. The improvements help to keep the centre welcoming and stimulating for the children who use it.

Jackie Flood, Registered Manager at Renfrewshire Short Breaks in Kilbarchan, said: “The effort by volunteers at Scottish Friendly over the two days has been incredible and we’re so grateful for their support in making a real difference to the children and families who use the service. We pride ourselves on offering a safe, loving and enjoyable space for young people so the work which has been done on our site over the past few days is a huge support in maintaining that.”

Volunteer Kyle West added: “As a dad, volunteering at Loom Walk was incredibly meaningful. It reminded me just how important it is for families to have access to services like this, not just for the children, but for the parents and carers who give so much every day. It was a privilege to contribute to a space that offers such vital support.”

The work forms part of Scottish Friendly’s wider commitment to supporting local communities and organisations making a difference to families.

Photo: Kyle West (Scottish Friendly) and Jackie Flood (Short Breaks)
Photo Credit: Scottish Friendly