We’re still dealing with the aftermath of the fire at Paisley YMCA’s Makerspace in William Street. Online services continue and meanwhile we’re awaiting reports to know whether or not there’s structural damage as well as equipment damage, damage to wiring and damage to equipment. We’re also progressing the insurance claim for equipment, of course.
There are five main factors helping us in these circumstances:
- firstly, all of our running services were online anyway because of the Covid-19 restrictions, and so there’s been no sudden stop to delivery of services. Obviously, we were planning for resumption of services once lockdown restrictions were lifted and although we’ve no venue or equipment for the specialist work we do (yet) we’ve some time to regroup and replace kit like the 3D printer, laser cutter etc.;
- secondly, some of our planned face to services will be delivered on an outreach basis anyway, (although we’ll need to replace much of our mobile equipment);
- thirdly, we’re driven by our mission to support young people and we’re resilient, so whatever delays there may be in getting back to normal, we’ll not be stopped;
- fourthly, our funders have already been understanding about the impact of Covid-19 and delays to some of our programmes; and
- fifthly, and this is of massive value to us, we’ve been overwhelmed by the unsolicited positive response we’ve had to the situation in the form of messages of support and offers of help.
Offers of help have included those from:
- Erskine Arts & Media Studio who have offered staff time and the loan of music equipment;
Create Paisley who have offered staff time and art materials; - Renfrewshire Council who have asked us to contact them about potential funding, space or PR support through paisley.is;
- Renfrewshire Libraries who have offered library spaces;
- Glasgow School of Art who have offered staff time and the loan of Makerspace equipment;
- This is Makers who have offered staff time and Makerspace equipment;
- Renfrew, Tayside and Bellshill YMCAs who have offered staff time to discuss support needs;
- YMCA Scotland who have offered help with the insurance claim.
- In addition, several professional individuals from a number of council and third sector orgs have offered individual help where they can; and youth club members’ parents and other local people have suggested support for raising funds.
This support reflects the high regard people have for our mission and the work of our staff in delivering it. As a Board member, I’m proud to be associated with the work our staff put in, and humbled to reflect on the value so many partners place on the results of their work.
On behalf of the Board, to all those who’ve offered practical and moral support for us, thank you. You’ve no idea how much difference it’s made to us in exceptionally trying circumstances. We’re deeply grateful 🙂