In 1989, concerned about the lack of leisure provision in our local community, I decided to form a club for people with learning difficulties.

Two of my children have learning difficulties, so I was well aware of the need, and had some sense of what ought to be done. 

As a member of the St Vincent de Paul Society I chose to name the club after the SVDP founder, Frederic Ozanam. In this way the first Ozanam Club was founded.

All these years later we now have Ozanam Clubs in Viewpark, Carfin and Paisley. Over one hundred trained volunteers cater for three hundred adults and children who have disabilities. The clubs provide a range of leisure activities: five-a-side football; badminton; boccia (a ball game something like bowling which is also suitable for wheelchair users); a weekly disco; bingo; arts and crafts; computer games. The clubs also hold regular party nights. We also have summer outings.

The Ozanam Clubs have always been carried along by enthusiasm and dedication. In addition to offering the members some social entertainment in a responsible and positive environment, the clubs provide a couple of hours per week respite for carers. Our volunteers have shown great commitment to the clubs throughout the years.

We are particularly pleased that young adults, who have plenty of other things to do, still manage to give up their time for a couple of hours each week to help.

Most of our younger volunteers have received a St Vincent de Paul Care in the Community Award in recognition of their constant commitment to active voluntary care and welfare of people in need. The Award has even proven to be beneficial to some volunteers seeking employment.

The Ozanam Clubs hope to continue providing a worthwhile service to our members for many years to come. 

James Lynch

St Columba’s, Viewpark