The Belmont Lane Community Gardens Association was formed to address this issue. At the same time, a local supported accommodation provider was looking for productive work in the community for people coming out of long term institutional care with a range of mental health, addiction and learning problems. These organisations formed a partnership which also included the Talbot Association, a group working in the field of alcohol rehabilitation. A small grant from Glasgow City Council bought the necessary tools and equipment, and work was started on the gap sites in 1997, restoring, designing and developing community green-spaces.
In 1998, when the opportunity to purchase the old coach houses in Belmont Lane arose, the potential for developing and expanding the work already started was recognised. These buildings had been used by a local tradesman, and although in need of extensive repair and refurbishment, offered the chance for the project to have its own workshops, office and training space. The Coach House Trust was set up as a limited company with charitable status, and an application was submitted to the National Lotteries Charities Board for funds to purchase and convert the property.
The Coach House Trust has always encouraged local community involvement either through volunteering or running open days and events. Some outreach work has been done with asylum groups and the local Chinese and Asian communities as well as with the local schools and people are encouraged to visit the project. The newsletter, which was recently created by a trainee during computer training, has been successful and there are plans to develop this further. Links to local tenants/residents associations, community council and other community groups is a developing part of our work. We also advise other groups / organisations trying to set up similar projects in their areas.