RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY TRUST
Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly
Gill Sherry
Riverside Church first opened its doors in John Street, Ayr in 1952 and has since welcomed countless worshippers to its community of grace. But Riverside is so much more than a church. It also offers valuable drop-in services through its association with Riverside Community Trust.
I caught up with Pastor Ian Gall, who told me how these vital services began.
“When I first started working for the church around 20 years ago, I came from a background of education in a community role. Our basic motivation at the time was, rather than self-impose something from the church, we wanted to hear how we could serve our neighbours.”
Around that time, Ian was introduced to a nurse for the homeless in South Ayrshire who was looking for a safe place where those currently in temporary hostel accommodation could eat and socialise. As a result, a Care & Share service was introduced in 2008.
“What we realised,” Ian told me, “was that for a lot of people in the homeless system or struggling with mental health or addiction issues, life can be chaotic. Often they’re expected to go to appointments here, there and everywhere. It wasn’t realistic so we began to invite some service providers to our Wednesday afternoon drop-in.”
This meant that in addition to receiving a hot meal, people could access services from the likes of the Community Addiction Team, Social Services and Housing Support.
“What we pioneered almost 20 years ago has become a recovery-oriented system of care. A recovery community has developed where it is much more person centred rather than being a medicalised model or something that revolved around a professional centre.”
Riverside Community Trust was officially set up ten years ago, around the same time that Ian became Pastor of Riverside Church, and that close association remains.
In addition to the Wednesday afternoon drop-in, the Care & Share service now also includes a hot breakfast on a Tuesday morning when the Trust’s own support workers are available if needed.
Although the Trust has four employees, it is still very dependent on volunteers, so if you’re interested in helping out, please get in touch. Donations are also gratefully accepted.
“Since Covid, funding has become much more of a struggle,” Ian told me when the subject of finances came up. “As the economy has tightened and things have become more difficult, there’s much more competition for funds.”
The charity does arrange its own fundraising events which have included sleep-outs and supermarket bag packing. But with an average attendance of 40 at the weekly drop-ins, funds are soon swallowed up. There is also the Outreach programme to consider.
“During Covid… those vulnerable people, if anything, were even more vulnerable. A lot of NHS and council services weren’t able to operate, but the need was even greater. Being a small organisation, it makes us much more nimble and able to act. So we developed an outreach where we would go out most days and take sandwiches and so on. It was taking the help to the people on the streets.”
That Outreach scheme has continued on a weekly basis.
“It’s part of what we do now,” Ian confirmed. “We also work closely with Wallacetown and Newtown Primary School, supporting work in that area as well.”
The charity uses a motto found in the Old Testament (book of Micah 6:8): Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly, which demonstrates how Riverside Community Trust operates.
“It’s about helping people to help themselves,” Ian concluded. “Helping people to be able to contribute to society and the community again. When you sit down and chat with folk and get their stories and backgrounds and hear what they’ve had to experience through life… it’s about giving people a second chance.”
Riverside Community Trust
Riverside Church, 24 John Street
Ayr, KA8 0BS
01292 262686
help@riversidecommunitytrust.org.uk
www.riversidecommunitytrust.org.uk
