February 2024

7 February - Glasgow celebrates World Gaelic Week - get involved

Lots of exciting Gaelic projects and initiatives are being planned to celebrate Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week - February 19-25). Find out more and how you can get involved.

Gaelic Development Officer, Donald MacPhee, said: "We are delighted to announce that shortly we will be publishing our new Gaelic Language Plan 2023-2028, the council's fourth Gaelic Language Plan. We also will be delivering new Gaelic classes for staff, promoting our 2024 Gaelic skills staff survey, and making a call out for new Gaelic champions across the full council family. Gaelic is a language for everyone, a message that's at the centre of our commitment to the promotion, learning and use of Gaelic in Glasgow."

Donald explains: "The implementation of our Gaelic Language Plan is one of our Strategic Plan (2022 to 2027) missions. The Plan's ambition is that by 2028 Gaelic will be more accessible, more widely spoken, more visible and more celebrated in Glasgow than in any other city in the world.

"With nearly 1500 children and young people in Gaelic Medium Education and an annual contribution of £21.6m and 700+ FTE jobs to the city's economy, we are well on the way to achieving that goal. We work closely with Bòrd na Gàidhlig, who approved the Plan, as well as other organisations and individuals with an interest in Gaelic language and culture. The Plan will be published on our website during Seachdain na Gàidhlig."

Join in - become a Gaelic Champion

We know many staff already have a keen interest in Gaelic but may not know how to become more involved in the council's Gaelic work. We need Gaelic champions in every area of the council family to join the Gaelic Officers' Group who oversee the delivery of our Gaelic Language Plan. Are you interested? If so, then please email Donald MacPhee, Gaelic Development Officer for more information.

Don't forget that you can also get involved this month with:  

• our Gaelic skills staff survey - to tell us if you are you fluent, currently learning or simply interested in Gaelic
• register for free Gaelic classes - but be quick as spaces tend to go very quickly.

Scottish Languages Bill - consultation

The recent introduction of the Scottish Languages Bill has sparked more interest and conversation around Gaelic and Scots. The Bill gives the Gaelic and Scots languages official status in Scotland and makes changes to the support for both languages in Scotland and in relation to Gaelic and Scots education. It also includes a provision for local authorities to designate all or part of their area as "an area of linguistic significance" for Gaelic language and culture. Glasgow as a whole or in part could be one of those areas of linguistic significance.

The public consultation on the Scottish Languages Bill is open until 8 March 2024.

For more information contact our Donald MacPhee Gaelic Development Officer.

7 February - Important - know how to protect yourself, our data and our systems

Did you know that Phishing is one of the most common and dangerous forms of cybercrime in the UK? All it takes is a well-crafted email, social media post or phone message, and someone who is too distracted or unaware to spot its true nature.

Phishing emails target our online activity to try and find our information (such as our log on details and passwords) that can then be used to steal information or money from us. While Spear Phishing emails often target finance officers, everyone is at risk from Phishing and Ransomware attacks. We should all take care when opening emails and report anything we are not sure of - as prevention is better than cure!

Cybercrime and our suppliers

As a council we have noticed an increase in supply chain fraud recently - this is where a criminal hacks into one of our suppliers and their email network, and then communicates with us pretending to be the trusted individual that we normally deal with.

These types of cybercrime can be harder for us to spot as there is no easy way to identify that you are communicating with a fraudster, and not your usual trusted organisation.

Staying safe

Key actions you can take to take to prevent falling victim to a cybercrime are to:

• regularly change your council login password - before the 90-day forced prompt. Make sure it is a strong password, is not shared with anyone and is not used for any other system login
• immediately report any suspicious emails, urgent demands for payments, urgent changes in supplier email addresses or spoof phone calls you receive to our integrity mailbox on Outlook. 
• take our annual information security and data protection 2024 course on GOLD -to remind yourself of key information security actions
• always be vigilant -check every email you receive, stop any unusual and urgent requests for payment, until verified and always report any suspicious emails to our integrity mailbox on Outlook.

More information

• #SafeGlasgow - Glasgow Intranet - How to report a suspicious email/text message you have received
• #Safe Glasgow -  Glasgow Intranet - Preventing cybercrime - different types  

7 February - Are you worried that an adult could be at risk of harm?

Throughout Glasgow there are some adults who are more at risk from harm, due to illness, trauma and physical or mental health conditions.

This Tuesday 20 February is Adult Support and Protection Day, and we are urging everyone to look out for signs of harm and report any concerns, ensuring those at risk can receive the help and support they need to live safely.

As well as physical, psychological, financial or sexual harm, individuals can also be at risk through neglect or self-neglect. Additionally, adults may find themselves dependent on alcohol and/or other drugs and lose awareness of the situation they are living in - or the consequences of decisions they make.

Harm can happen anywhere - in someone's home, where they work, or in a public place - and is often caused by the people closest to them. It can even happen in places responsible for keeping someone safe, such as a care home, hospital or day centre.

If you're worried an adult could be at risk, it's always better to say something than do nothing. Watch the video below to find out more.

It's important to speak up about any concerns you have, as the person may not be able to do so themselves.

Brenda Walker, National Adult Support and Protection Coordinator for Scotland, said: "It can be difficult to know what to do when you're worried about someone, and you might feel that you don't want to interfere. However, reporting your concerns could really help to keep someone safe and turn their life around.

"The current cost of living crisis is making it even more difficult for those who are looking after others, or struggling to take care of themselves, so it's more important right now than ever to keep your eyes open for signs of harm.

"Everyone has a role to play in keeping those in their communities safe, so I would encourage anyone who has seen something that worries them to please say something."

If you're worried that someone is at risk of harm or neglect from others - or harming or neglecting themselves - visit https://www.glasgowadultprotection.org.uk/ for all the relevant contact details.

Alternatively, you can contact the Police on 101, or call 999 if you believe the person is in immediate danger.

7 February - Could you support someone like Jack?

This new year we are asking you to consider becoming a mentor to help support a young person in Glasgow.

Last year with the support of colleagues and others across the city the number of MCR mentors increased by over 200. However, there are still 100 young people waiting for a mentor. We urgently need more mentors for All Saints Secondary, Eastbank Academy, Lochend High, Lourdes Secondary, St Mungo's Academy, St Pauls' High and Whitehill Secondary.

Mentors come from all walks of life, you don't need a specialist skill or to do a certain job. You don't even have to have experience of young people. Watch this short video to see what a difference you could make to a young person like Jack by becoming a mentor.

There are various ways to find out more about MCR mentoring pop into our drop in, half hour information session on

• Monday 19 February, 9:30am, 40 John Street, G1 1JL

Please email Donna Cunningham on Outlook  to book a place as numbers are capped due to room capacity. Attendees should please report to reception on the day.

Or sign up to attend an online MS Teams interactive session on 29 February at 12pm.

If you can't make any of the dates above,  you can sign up anytime and take yourself through the online information session - MCR Pathways Online Sign Up.

7 February - Help to make your home warmer

With the cost of living crisis and high energy bills, it's a worrying time for us all.

The Scottish Government has made funding available this year to help householders install energy efficient measures and save money. People are being urged to contact Home Energy Scotland, the Scottish Government's free energy efficiency advice service, to receive advice and support to help make their homes warmer and reduce their heating bills.

Financial support worth £10,000 or more is also available to make eligible homes more energy efficient through improvements like home insulation, draught proofing, or climate friendly home heating.

Did you know that a home that isn't well insulated can lose more than 50% of its heat through its roof and walls? Making energy efficient home improvements can make your space warmer and more comfortable, while also helping to lower Scotland's emissions.

Home Energy Scotland helps people access funding for energy efficient measures, along with a range of other financial support and impartial advice. If it looks like you might be eligible for help, you will be referred for an initial survey of your home to be carried out before measures are installed. The one-stop shop for support is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Energy Saving Trust.

To find out exactly what you are eligible for, whatever your circumstances, call the Home Energy Scotland hotline now on 0808 808 2282 or visit homeenergyscotland.org/contact to request a call back.

7 February - Glasgow Club - discounted membership and free month offer for council family staff

All council family staff qualify for a discounted Glasgow Club membership.

You can sign up to FitClub for just £10 per month instead of the standard rate of £27. If you already pay for a membership, you can apply for the discount and reduce your monthly fee (please see FAQs below). FitClub is Glasgow Club's most popular membership plan.

Join during February for even more savings

Even better - if you join during February and keep your membership going beyond the end of April you'll pay nothing for May.  Enjoy a month free to say thank you for making a commitment to your wellbeing with Glasgow Club!

You can enjoy the following at all Glasgow Club venues:

• unlimited Gym Sessions
• unlimited access to all fitness classes (in-club and digital)
• unlimited Swimming
• free personal appointments with a qualified fitness instructor
• pay-as-you-go for other activities (for example, football, badminton).

So why not make a difference to your health and wellbeing and enjoy a saving too?

To sign up: Scan the QR code below to get started or visit https://myglasgow.club/gccstaff

Support - FAQs

1.   What happens if I already pay for Glasgow Club membership?

Follow the link and skip straight to completing the form. Here you'll provide your current membership or card ID and upload your latest payslip. The team at Glasgow Club will apply the discount so you can enjoy the £10 monthly rate. We plan to do this in time for your next payment. However, we're anticipating high demand so please allow up to 6 weeks for the change to take effect.

2.   How soon will my membership start? And when do I pay?

You can sign-up or apply for a discount on your existing membership as soon as you register at https://myglasgow.club/gccstaff.

Your membership is immediately active. There's nothing to pay until the 7th of the following month. Payments continue on the 7th of each month until you cancel the direct debit with your bank. NOTE: your membership will become inactive if you don't upload a picture of your latest payslip to the staff membership page. As a result, you won't be able to access Glasgow Club activities.

3.   Is this offer open to my family members too?

No. This offer is only for those working at Glasgow Life, Glasgow City Council and our ALEOs.

4.   Do I get discounts on court/pitch bookings with my staff membership?

No. Only activities included in the FitClub membership.

5.   Can I purchase annual membership instead of paying monthly?

Staff membership is ONLY available on a monthly basis paid by Direct Debit.

6.   I'm not quite ready to take out a membership can I join at a later date? 

Yes, if you're not ready to take advantage of the offer right now, you can apply in the future.

If you have any problems, please contact the Glasgow Club team: glasgow.club@glasgowlife.org.uk

7 February - Supporting young adults into the workplace - Lord Provost lends support to Project Search

Meet James Elvin who has been on a ten-week work placement with Catering and Facilities Management (Financial Services) with the City Chambers Attendants. James from Royston enrolled in the UK DFN Project Search work experience programme tailored specifically for young people between 18-29 years with a learning disability or autism or both. The council is one of Project Search's key partners - working in partnership with the council's own Supported Employment Service; NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde; University of Strathclyde; Clyde College Glasgow and City of Glasgow College - helping to support and match students with work opportunities with the aim of supporting them into secure paid employment.

James said: "I really enjoyed my placement - it kept me busy which I really like. I was able to get involved in welcoming visitors to the City Chambers and taking them on tours of the building. My favourite part was helping at the Lord Provost's annual Children's Christmas Party. This is my third placement - before I came here, I was at City of Glasgow College, and I have spent time at Caledonian University at the gym and the student residencies. I am thrilled with the support and experience Project Search has provided me with and I am looking forward to my next job, a year-long paid internship with the Wheatley Group."

James, also worked with the Lord Provost and International Office where he was enlisted by Senior Civic Officer Stevie Buchanan to help clean the Lord Provost's and Bailies' chains of office.

The Lord Provost Jaqueline McLaren said: "I have met James and was very impressed. His work ethic and willingness to learn is the kind of attitude that attracts employers. I wish him well with Wheatley House and for the future."

James Currie, Attendant said: "This is the second time I have mentored a young person and it is such a rewarding experience. James has been enthusiastic and has enjoyed learning on the job. Project Search is such a valuable and important programme for helping a young person like James become familiar with the work environment in a supportive and inclusive way."

Sharon Kinney, Senior HR Officer, Strategic HR said: "These placements provide young adults with the opportunity to learn new skills and improve their confidence and ability to find a job. We work closely with Angie Black, Service Manager, Glasgow Supported Employment Service, GCHSCP to ensure we find the right placement to suit the individual. We could not do it without the commitment from departments offering rotations and the mentors who support the participants. It is great to see another successful placement and hear how James has benefited from his experience. We look forward to working with more departments in the future to support these."

More Information

Applications to join the programme in August 2024 are now on our college partners websites - if you know a young person who may be interested and meet the criteria, they can apply to join the programme here: Project Search Employability Programme