SAMs Club - bringing smiles to those in need
Our Mission
Since 2012, SAMs (St Andrew's/Michael's) has been bringing happiness, support, care and respite to many families in Glasgow and the surrounding local areas. Our Mission is "to provide recreational facilities, or the organisation of recreational activities, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the persons for whom the facilities or activities are primarily intended. This is achieved through a monthly Club that will allow young people with special needs to play and interact with other children and assisted support from volunteers. Our Club allows the parents/carers of these young people some time to relax and watch their child interact and play with others".
Founded by Colin Manclark and Cara O’Donnell, SAMs has a dedicated team of volunteers and a great mix of individuals; in the care sector, teachers and first-aiders, etc providing a wealth of talent, enthusiasm and experience in working with children.
Every month we run a Club held in St Michael’s Parish, Parkhead to give everyone involved the chance to meet, develop relationships and understand the needs of the children. During this time we will have varied activities for the children and volunteers to enjoy while the parents/carers relax and take time out.
Then, in the summer we use our funds to take the families away to Wydale Hall, Scarborough for a fun-packed week that is the highlight of our year. The family atmosphere that is created is unique, safe and all inclusive. It is everything you would expect from the best holiday you could imagine.
SAMs has grown from strength to strength with around 65-90 members, which is one very BIG happy family. If you think that you or your family would benefit from what we do why not contact us or just pop along to our Club and see for yourself and enjoy a really warm welcome.
“At SAMs Club we do our best to make a difference; to inject a little bit of sunshine into the lives of everyone involved. We’re open to all and we’re only restricted by our imagination - anything is possible if we all work together!”
“To be able to make a difference to the families of SAMs is not only rewarding but an honour to work with some incredible people and young children. I am very proud of what we have achieved in such a short time and I sincerely hope we can continue this great work, delivered by such an amazing, talented group of volunteers, for a long time to come. ”
What We've Achieved
Over £250,000 raised through applying for grants, fundraising events and donations.
Boasting 80 or so members with varying needs of support.
Helping families develop and grow together.
Providing amazing holidays which are all-inclusive and fun-packed.
Engaging young people from the local community to help grow and flourish.
Clubs that are packed out every month and growing bigger by the year.