Little Haven, Forth, celebrates fifth birthday

Jessie Griffin and Liz Wilson felt support should be available on their own doorstep and their campaign took off.

That led to the Little Haven drop-in centre being set up in a converted

council flat in Manse Road.

The Little Haven has just celebrated its fifth anniversary. Sadly, Liz Wilson did not live to see that but Jessie Griffin is still the charity's chairperson.

The Little Haven initially opened part time, but now it opens full time five days a week and sometimes in the evening too to meet the needs of local people.

"We are getting busier and busier but that is a bittersweet pill," said Kate Williamson, the centre's development officer.

"We now have over 130 clients with life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, MS, and heart and lung problems. The numbers are increasing."

For the fifth anniversary the Little Haven planned a garden party; but it rained so the celebrations moved into the Bank Hall.

"There must have been 100 people there," added Kate.

For more information on this story, pick up a copy of this week's Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.