Our stories

Very human humans

This is not your typical ‘success story’ with happy endings. Brendan arrived at GalGael’s workshop with a cynicism bordering on healthy - "I thought GalGael was just another programme to keep the DWP off my back for a few more months while I got on with the business of drinking myself to death, no big deal". Read more

Latest

Coming to us with a DIY project

We believe in creating community by working and learning together. We are open to anyone who wants to join us, but we try to be fair and offer more support to those who need it the most. We will ask you to play along with our ethos of inclusion, and accept our priority for fellow learners with complex needs.
A new state

Govan Free State: living in the early days of a better nation. So COP26 is coming to town, about the same time as GalGael enter our 25th year. And so we thought what more appropriate way to mark all this than to declare a new free state - returning to our roots in Pollok Free State - an anti motorway camp. A playful, creative exploration of power and legitimacy in the face of climate emergency. An act of solidarity with those communities struggling for recognition of their territories.
AGM 18 February 2021

GalGael's Annual General Meeting reporting on the year April 2019 to March 2020
virtual Burns Night

So we're having a bash at an online version of our Thursday Night Gatherings – kicking off with a Virtual Burns Night, on the 28th January.

Timber and firewood

We produce a number of Scottish hardwoods - often by working with partners within Historic Environment Scotland and Glasgow City Council to bring locally produced timber for sale to the public and for use in our products.
Boat building

GalGael works together on demanding common tasks that build community and demonstrate ways of living with more humanity. Working together on boats of all shapes and sizes is one of the ways in which we do just this.
How to participate

There are many ways to get involved in our work. Find out how to become part of what we're doing, visit us or stay connected.
Why we need volunteers

GalGael offers activities that help people reclaim skills, agency and sense of worth. Without our crew of dedicated volunteers we these activities wouldn't happen nor would the many other adventures we have.
GalGael Next?

Big changes at GalGael
Basic Woodwork

Basic woodwork is the mainstay of our work at GalGael. Find out more about our opportunities to learn with us. Craft generates skills, agency, and community.
About our social enterprise

Our range of products and services - activities that generate meaning and income to help us become self-sustaining.
Open Workshop Nights

We have a workshop with tools and benches so every Thursday we open that up to the wider community. Thursdays are open format - they very much depend on who shows up and what they bring. But we can promise workshop space, a basic meal and some banter.
A new state

Govan Free State: living in the early days of a better nation. So COP26 is coming to town, about the same time as GalGael enter our 25th year. And so we thought what more appropriate way to mark all this than to declare a new free state - returning to our roots in Pollok Free State - an anti motorway camp. A playful, creative exploration of power and legitimacy in the face of climate emergency. An act of solidarity with those communities struggling for recognition of their territories.
How to refer

GalGael’s activities offer folk a place of work, some respect and some tools. We work to create a therapeutic environment however what we offer is firmly based in practical skills. So we are reliant on ongoing working relationships with our partner agencies in supporting people with complex needs.