A new Pavillion Café and Training suite has officially opened in Levengrove, West Dunbartonshire.

The project was part of a £3.7million investment in the park.

The venue is being run as a social enterprise by West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Partnership's (WDHSCP) Work Connect service.

It offers training places for some of West Dunbartonshire's most vulnerable residents, including those with mental health issues, people in recovery from addictions and those with learning disabilities.

The enhanced training suite provides a range of different learning experiences as well as being available for community use.


Councillor Marie McNair, Vice Convener of Infrastructure Regeneration and Economic Development, as well as Vice Chair of West Dunbartonshire's Health and Social Partnership, said: "Work Connect does a hugely important job by giving some of West Dunbartonshire's most vulnerable people a chance to move forward, learn practical employability skills and grow their confidence.

"West Dunbartonshire has one of the highest unemployment rates in Scotland, particularly among disadvantaged groups like those with long-term complex mental health issues, learning difficulties and people recovering from addiction. Giving them the tools to get themselves back into the workplace allows these marginalised groups to realise their full potential."

The project started in 2014, with a joint application by West Dunbartonshire Council and WDHSCP to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund for money to reinstate the park's heritage features, including building a brand new pavilion and extending the services of the training suite.

The bid was successful in gaining £2.8million of National Lottery money, which was added to Council funding.