Building Brighter Beginnings for Families
By Isla McGraw
Once a tired old janitor’s house, the community centre at the heart of Maryhill has been transformed into something extraordinary. Today, it is no longer a forgotten corner of the community, but a vibrant sanctuary where families step inside and instantly feel a sense of warmth, belonging and support.
Walking through its doors, visitors are greeted by laughter, the chatter of little ones, and the reassuring knowledge that they are not alone. Parenting is never straightforward, it brings moments of joy but also plenty of challenges. Under this one roof, families now find the kind of understanding, guidance and companionship that can make all the difference.
Early Years Family Hub
The newly opened Early Years Family Hub at Maryhill Community Centre is the result of a remarkable partnership between Home-Start Glasgow North and North Lanarkshire (HSGNNL) and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. The Hub’s mission is simple yet profound: to walk alongside parents and parents-to-be during the earliest and often most overwhelming stages of family life.
The project has already caught the eye of leaders across Scotland. The Hub was officially opened on the 28th August by First Minister John Swinney, marking a milestone for family support in Glasgow: ‘The Hub, I think, is an excellent gathering place for services to be provided to families and for families to be supported in their needs. This project is music to my ears because this is essentially whole family support and practice. I think what I admire most about this project is that they’ve managed to overcome some of the obstacles, some of the inhibitors. I pay tribute to the City Council and to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for basically enabling this to happen.’
The celebration brought together NHS professionals, volunteers, community organisations and local families — all united by a shared vision of giving children the very best start in life. Nikki O’Hara, Director for Home-Start Glasgow North and North Lanarkshire, says: ‘This is a celebration of what’s possible when community, health, and third sector partners come together with families at the heart of the work. It’s about ensuring every child has the best possible start in life — right here in Maryhill.’
A Hub of Support
Inside, the atmosphere is homely, parents can come for arranged midwifery appointments, join in family groups, or simply pop by for a cup of tea and a listening ear. Services include antenatal and postnatal care, baby massage, infant feeding support, parenting programmes such as Circle of Security and Solihull, and practical workshops on everything from starting solids to paediatric first aid.
But beyond the structured support, the Hub offers something equally vital: connection. Weekly Bookbug groups, dads’ workshops and play sessions create opportunities for families to meet, share experiences and build friendships. With a ‘no wrong door’ approach, the Hub ensures that whatever a family needs — whether big or small — they will find the right help.
Mary Ross-Davie, Director of Midwifery at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, says: ‘The midwifery clinic and workshops at the Hub make it easier for women to access our care during pregnancy and then also learn more about the wide range of supportive services that the Hub provides.’
For 24 years, HSGNNL has been walking alongside families facing difficulties. Now, with this new Hub, more than 250 families each year will have access to compassionate, trauma-informed support during the crucial first 1,001 days of their child’s life.
Maryhill’s old janitor’s house has been reborn — not as bricks and mortar, but as a home for hope, resilience and community spirit.
For more information on the family support services available in Glasgow North, visit –
