The man responsible for a free summer programme for kids has spoken of his pride after winning a Glasgow Times Community Champions award.
Kenny Trainer, project manager at Bluevale Community Club in Dennistoun, took home the Individual Award at last year's ceremony, for his life-changing work in the East End of the city.
Working with adults, the elderly and young people in the community, Kenny and his dedicated team have provided everything from food and well-being support services to free activities and clubs for locals.
As we search for Glasgow's Community Champions 2023, we caught up with Kenny to reflect on his big win one year on.
Speaking to the Glasgow Times, Kenny admitted that the award has helped him recognise the value of Bluevale and his own achievements.
The 37-year-old said: "Looking back, Bluevale has been a whirlwind for myself and the young people and staff involved.
"It's hard to ignore how much we have achieved in the community.
"Winning the community champ award made me realise how important Bluevale is and how much myself and the team have done.
"When I realised it had been a year since the award too, I came to see how much we've actually achieved in this time."
Since winning the award, the charity has continued to help locals with food and financial support, as well as curating a range of exciting ventures too.
Recently the team even hosted a boxing show for youngsters in the local area, where boxers from Scotland and England met to compete in matches.
READ NEXT: Search is on for Glasgow's Community Champions 2023
Despite the success of the centre and the euphoria of his achievement, Kenny admitted that the win still has not sunk in.
He added: "I'm still totally shocked, to be honest with you.
"It's still not even set in yet. It's just still so crazy.
"Even though I won the Individual Award, I'm only as good as the organisation as a whole.
"I realise now the difference we're making. People ask me what would these adults and kids be doing if Bluevale wasn't here and when I think of that, I realise the huge impact we are having."
So what is next for Kenny and the team at Bluevale Community Centre?
The charity is currently running its summer programme, with funding provided by Glasgow City Council.
The programme provides youngsters with hot and cold meals, access to gymnastics and football lessons and takes them on a number of trips to the likes of Flip Out and local farms, all completely free.
READ NEXT: The incredible story of Drumchapel's Growing Together
Kenny added that the summer programme has completely exceeded demand.
He continued: "Our summer programme has been so receptive this year.
"We have had 220 young people and children trying to get places on the programme, but we only have 86 spaces.
"So, right now, we are only running at less than 50 per cent demand.
"It shows the need for charities like us in the community."
Bluevale is also running a few new initiatives in the coming months.
There will be the launching of the ready, steady, cook programme, which will teach locals how to cook a meal for a family of four for under £5, as well as a well-being group to allow those struggling with mental health to receive free guidance and support.
To learn more about Bluevale Community Club, click HERE
You can contact the charity via FACEBOOK or on 0141 556 2989
HOW TO NOMINATE
We want to hear about inspirational individuals and great groups in your area - who do you think deserves recognition for fantastic community work?
You can nominate anyone, from a community cop who goes above and beyond the day job to the inspirational teenager making waves at school, from pensioners campaigning for better services to grass-roots sports coaches inspiring young people to get active.
Tell us why they should win and remember to include lots of detail and photographs and video to support your entry.
You can nominate online by clicking here, or email stephen.laughlin@localiq.co.uk.
For more information, call 0141 302 6019.
The closing date for entries is Thursday, September 14.
A shortlist will go to a public online vote to determine the winners in each area – North East, North West and South - who will then progress to the Grand Final at Glasgow City Chambers on December 5.
A judging panel made up of representatives from the award partners will decide the Grand Final winners.
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