Jack and Jill on the move

The group has been based in Bellshill for 25 years and hold meetings and other activities in the YMCA premises in Liberty Road, where they rent two rooms.

Now they are taking the bold step to buy their own premises in Wishaw which, after so many years in the town, has not been an easy decision but there was a strong financial case for this.

Project manager Lucie Armstrong said: “We need new premises and we have been given the opportunity to buy a property in Coltness at a bargain price thanks to the owner wishing to help our charity.”

It was an offer that the group could not refuse and they are looking forward to extending activities in the larger premises.

There is a great demand for the services and various activities.

Currently the group have 32 families and demand is growing all the time.

The new premises will allow them to have a parents’ room and a training kitchen and they hope to start a community cafe which will be run by the young people in the group.

Transport will be available to the North Lanarkshire based group to still attend the new centre.

The group are financially supported by Children in Need and North Lanarkshire Council and they hope to secure Lottery funding.