The CUCRC project was established to tackle the high levels of unemployment and disadvantage that resulted from the closure of heavy industry in Clydebank. This created poverty and low incomes but also family tension, health issues, alcohol and drug misuse and limited educational, social and cultural activities.

The case study describes the CUCRC, a project established to tackle issues of unemployment and deprivation across Clydebank as a whole. The centre is targeted at those aged 16+ and aims to help people tackle personal and family circumstances and break the culture of deprivation that exists.

The centre mainly provides three types of support:

CUCRC divides its activities into three distinct areas – these are: information, advice and guidance – mainly related to benefits entitlement; crèche facilities; and courses and leisure activities.

CUCRC provides activities that meet the social needs of users with less confidence and whose motivation is not immediately toward employment.

The courses provided are vocational and non-vocational, with many people taking up vocational courses before moving on to further education, employment or training.

Since the establishment of CUCRC hundreds of local people have benefited from advice on debt and money issues, thereby alleviating mental stress as well as safeguarding tenancy and preventing imprisonment.

Hundreds of individuals have embarked on educational programmes and gained Scottish Qualification Authority Certification. In many cases, with additional in-house support, students have progressed to Further Education and full time employment.

People in Clydebank, particularly those facing multiple disadvantages.

In 1989 the Unemployed Workers Centre closed due to the end of Urban Aid funding. Former members formed a group that campaigned for the centre to re-open. They were successful in negotiating funding via the regional and district councils for a new centre and education and leisure services.

Evidence of the level of need was gathered in a survey conducted at the local benefits office. The group approached Thor Ceramics who offered a building on their site in Stanford Street at 50 per cent of the market lease price.

Scottish Centre for Regeneration
scr@communitiesscotland.gsi.gov.uk

//2005

case

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment

Training, Urban economy