Glasgow charities are brought under one roof in city

A new home for charities in the city has proven so popular it already has a waiting list of organisations wanting to take up residence.

Officially opened by Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson on Wednesday, Brunswick House in the Merchant City is designed to promote better links between charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises.

Owned by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH), the building is already at capacity.

It hosts charities as diverse as anti-sectarian group Nil by Mouth, Citizens Advice Direct and the International Network of Street Papers.

Councillor Matheson said: “I’m delighted that this charity hub has opened in the heart of Glasgow.

“The third sector already has a significant presence in the city and bringing many of these organisations together will allow them to build on the excellent work they do for people in Glasgow and further afield.”

SCVO’s convener Alison Elliot said:”Brunswick House is a fantastic new hub for the third sector in Glasgow.

“It is already giving charities the chance to work alongside similar organisations to network and share ideas.

“Already, business deals have been achieved by organisations working alongside each other here.”

Against the backdrop of a weak economy and the possible withdrawal of concessionary rents for charities by Glasgow City Council, it is hoped the hub will relieve some of the pressure on charities through communal facilities.

Alison added: “In these difficult financial times,sharing office space saves money and staff time which means organisations can focus on making a positive difference to people’s lives across Scotland.”

Social Care Ideas Factory director Charlie Barker said: “Brunswick House has been hugely successful for us in terms of networking and being in the centre of town and having nearly all our partner organisations within walking distance.

“We are also very impressed with the mix of organisations here.

“It’s been really beneficial and we have started fostering opportunities for joint working, with two or three specific pieces of work in the pipeline.”