A Glasgow gran has turned a large Victorian property in Possilpark into a wellbeing venue set to welcome more than 200 children at Easter.

The Comfortzone, described as a “gem” by MSP candidate Audrey Dempsey on a visit this week, has a range of experts offering free haircuts for those in need and treatments including cosmetic tattoos for people with cancer and massages.

Founder Linda Dempster wants to expand the good work taking place and offer apprenticeships and training to young people.

Linda used to run the Lido cafe in Saracen Street before moving into Stonyhurst Street and transforming the large historic building into a holistic practice with treatment rooms and a salon. She wants to make a difference as she said the area needs attention now more than ever as the sense of community has dwindled.

Commenting on how Saracen Street was once busy years ago but now feels “neglected”, Linda said: “There is hardly anyone about on a Saturday now. People from Possilpark used to look after their own. Now it is like strangers in the street.

“This is a place where everyone matters. Coming here it is not just about the treatments. It is a wee comfort zone. We have a living room. People can blether and they get a cup of tea.”

The venue served 1,000 burgers and hot dogs, gave out hundreds of presents to children and hosted fairground rides as part of a Santa’s grotto event in December. Another Easter bonnet making session is planned for April 3. But the organisation doesn’t receive any public funding for its charity endeavours.

Councillor Dempsey said: “Kids come from Possilpark, Maryhill and Springburn. This is the best example of business owners who try and fill the gap. This is a hidden gem, a jewel in the crown and a service that people travel for.”

“I feel every base is covered here. It is in Possilpark and it is accessible to anyone in the north east. It is a wee gem and other services can learn a lot. Linda was born and bred here, she started a cafe years ago and expanded to this.”

Councillor Dempsey said if the venue branches out to offer training it would provide a “safe space” for young people to “learn and socialise”.

Open from 10am to 10pm, It is hoped the Comfortzone salon and hairdressing space could be used to offer training for young people leaving school to keep them off the streets.

Among services on offer already, barber Reiss Graham gives free haircuts to people in need at the premises, sports massage therapist John Lynch helps people with pain management and psychic Alix offers readings.

Linda’s daughter Kasey Stoops carries out cosmetic tattooing to help people with different health conditions including those with Alopecia and cancer who have lost their eyebrows.

Kasey said: “Overall it gives people more confidence. It is life changing for them.”

Councillor Dempsey called in to visit the premises as part of her campaign for the Holyrood election. She said major issues facing the area include poverty and lack of housing.

Councillor Dempsey said coming from a working class community means she is best placed to understand and help fix the problems facing the area.