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The Glenkens Hub: Connecting A Community

1 Dec 2023

Read about funded project The Glenkens Hub

The Glenkens Hub is an exciting new project that aims to connect the residents, community groups, businesses, charitable organisations, and visitors across the Glenkens. It is free to use and complements its successful print format, the Glenkens Gazette, with a digital version that curates all the same and more news, stories, and events online to create a more connected and informed community.

 

It is designed to serve communities in Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Corsock, Crossmichael, Kirkpatrick Durham, Laurieston, Mossdale, New Galloway, Parton, and St John’s Town of Dalry.

 

Matthew Shedden of the Glenkens & District Trust (GDT) sat down with Helen Keron, Executive Manager of the Glenkens Community Arts Trust (GCAT) to discuss the Glenkens Hub, in its conception, implementation, and future. Browse it and bookmark it yourself by going to www.glenkens.scot.

 

Background and motivation: The project was born out of a desire to evolve the ever-popular Glenkens Gazette into a future-ready resource that could adapt with a changing world. The Glenkens & District Community Action Plan (CAP), published in 2020, highlighted the need for such a solution. A subsequent communications survey reinforced this. The goal was simple: to create a central location where stakeholders in the Glenkens could access relevant news and events, whether online or in print.

 

Proposed solutions and resources required: The primary solution was a website with a focus on quality, curated content. Other mediums, like a Facebook page and Instagram page will follow in time. There were no strict goals, other than to help achieve the "A Connected Community" outcome in the CAP. It is expected that initial engagement will be buoyed by the stellar reputation of the Glenkens Gazette, while the quality of the Glenkens Hub will drive repeat usage.

 

The stakeholders of the Glenkens Hub are twofold: residents and visitors, and community groups, businesses, and organizations. Early on, it was decided that the Glenkens Hub would be produced and developed coordinated internally – rather than outsourcing. This approach is already paying dividends. This is because it enabled the project to be more tailored to residents, by being rooted in the community. Getting the right people involved has been integral to the successful launch of the Glenkens Hub and Helen wanted to pay thanks to all the volunteer reviewers and contributors.

 

Another decision which is acknowledged as being advantageous is opting for funding from local bodies like the Glenkens & District Trust and the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership. The freedom and flexibility afforded ensured high-quality project completion, despite changes to the original plans being required. This flexibility demonstrates the power and strength of local funders.

 

Positive results of the Glenkens Hub: Though early days, positive results of the Glenkens Hub are already being felt throughout the community. It has provided a central location for news and events, making it convenient for stakeholders to stay informed. News stories from other channels, such as DGWGO and Police Scotland, are curated and shared, making the Glenkens Hub a go-to place for all things Glenkens.

 

So far, the Glenkens Hub has been a resounding success: amplifying the positives of the Glenkens Gazette and providing a much-needed resource for the community. By focusing on quality content and community engagement, it has helped create a more connected and informed community. The future looks bright for the Glenkens Hub, and we can't wait to see where it goes from here. 

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