A PIONEERING project in Greenock which puts the church right at the very heart of the community is making a big noise on 'super' Wednesdays.
The Lyle Gateway, run by development worker Derek Mitchell and his team, has recently set up a jamming session every week to encourage musicians to come along to the Lyle Kirk in Greenock's west end to play together.
On the same day, the parents and toddlers cafe is also open with groups including the Bothy Buggy Walk coming along.
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The Lyle Gateway was set up more than 10 years ago to fight social isolation and improve community provisions in the west end.
The Lyle Kirk's minister, Reverend Jonathan Fleming, who sits on the Lyle Gateway board, said: "We are so proud of the Lyle Gateway and what they have achieved is quite spectacular.
"There has always been a lack of provision for people in the west end, resulting in isolation, and that is what the Lyle Gateway is trying to address.
"But now people come from all over Inverclyde to the Lyle Gateway.
"It is about giving people who feel isolated somewhere to go. This is what the church is all about, being at the heart of the community and open every day of the week.
"We want to reach out to everyone.
"A church shouldn't be a relic that is closed six days a week."
Derek recently set up a jamming sessions for local musicians looking for a place to go.
He said: "It is a very busy super Wednesday here at Lyle Gateway now."
One of the organisers is retired music teacher Colin McPhee, aged 60, who is also involved in the Gateway's Singing for Wellbeing group.
He said: "I live in Kilmacolm and I was looking for somewhere to go after retiring. This seemed ideal and I am getting more involved.
"We want to give people a place to go to play. It is about making sure that people don't feel isolated."
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He is joined by musician Josh Starr, who is also finding it a great way to relax.
He added: "I found out about the jam sessions and wanted to give it a try."
In the Lyle Kirk's main hall there is a parent and toddlers cafe every Wednesday, as part of a partnership with the Bothy Buggy Walk group.
After their stroll along the Esplanade, the group go along to the Lyle Gateway afterwards for a cup of tea and the tots get the chance to play.
Bothy leader Jenni Murray said: "It has been very successful and everyone loves coming along."
Mum Erika Anderson, aged 32, from Inverkip is part of the buggy walk group and comes along with her daughter Lottie, aged one and a half.
She said: "It is lovely to get out in the fresh air with the buggy walk and then come along to the parent cafe. Lottie loves it and there is lots of space. She has great fun.
Throughout the week there is also an international cafe, a dementia group, an art club and 'Singing for Wellbeing session.
The Lyle Gateway jamming sessions take place every Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm and the parents and toddlers cafe from 12 to 3pm.
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