2025 Achievements Summary
2025 has been another year of growth, connection, and community at The High Backs. From new facilities and environmental improvements to youth leadership, outdoor play, and community celebrations, local people have continued to shape everything we do.
As we often say, community is not simply about being together – it is about doing life together. That spirit runs through every project, activity, and conversation at The High Backs.
Community Connections & Wellbeing
Strong communities are built through regular opportunities for people to come together, support one another, and feel a sense of belonging.
-
We continued our energy advice drop-ins with Natasha from Healthy n Happy, helping local residents access practical support.
-
The Men's Group welcomed back familiar faces and many new members throughout the year.
-
Our Knitting Group continued to grow, creating premature baby hats for Princess Royal Maternity while sharing friendship, laughter, and Margaret's famous baking.
-
Community coffee afternoons brought people together, including regular community bingo sessions.
-
A new community action group formed, giving residents the opportunity to discuss housing, community safety, and local improvements.
Children, Families & Outdoor Play
Outdoor play remains at the heart of what we do. We believe children thrive when they have the freedom to explore, play, learn, and connect with nature.
-
The Family Hub continued to grow, introducing children to new activities and encouraging active outdoor play.
-
Our after-school club was well attended throughout the year, offering games, healthy snacks, and opportunities to build confidence and friendships.
-
Outdoor learning helped children understand the positive impact that nature and physical activity have on health and wellbeing.
-
During the October school holidays, families enjoyed outdoor play sessions and fire-pit activities down at Malls Mire.
-
Our Easter celebrations once again brought the community together for a day of fun and connection.
-
We welcomed 280 people to our summer event, which featured much-loved alpaca visitors and activities for all ages.
-
We also ran a school uniform swap rail to help families prepare for the new school year.
Young People & Youth Leadership
Young people continue to play a leading role in shaping their community and developing new skills.
-
Members of our Youth Activism group were invited to attend the Marmot event at South Lanarkshire Council headquarters in February.
-
Young people carried out surveys on safety along Rutherglen Main Street and highlighted concerns around fly-tipping in the local area.
-
Working alongside Universal Connections, seven young people completed accredited beauty training, gaining valuable skills and qualifications.
Nature, Environment & Sustainability
Our connection with nature continues to grow, both through environmental projects and practical steps towards a greener future.
-
Gardening activities went from strength to strength, with our frog pond becoming a thriving habitat. From the first spawn to the arrival of our resident frogs, the space has become as popular with wildlife as it is with local people.
-
After months of gathering community support and votes through the Boxergy competition, we were delighted to install solar panels in May, improving the long-term sustainability of The High Backs.
-
Outdoor spaces continued to provide opportunities for learning, wellbeing, and community connection throughout the year.
Improving Our Community Space
2025 brought important developments that will benefit local people for years to come.
-
Our new toilet block was completed in September, significantly improving facilities for visitors and community events.
-
We unveiled a beautiful new mural, created by Neil through South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, who funded the project.
-
Ongoing improvements to our site have helped create an even more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant community hub.
Celebration, Friendship & Belonging
The High Backs is built on the belief that shared experiences strengthen communities.
Whether gathering around a fire pit, enjoying a game of bingo, welcoming new members to a group, celebrating seasonal events, or watching children play outdoors, every activity contributes to a stronger sense of belonging in Burnhill.
The achievements of 2025 reflect the dedication of our volunteers, staff, partners, and local residents. Together, we continue to create a place where people can connect, grow, and support one another.
Thank you
Community is the most important word at The High Backs. It is the thread that runs through everything we do.
We extend our sincere thanks to every volunteer, partner organisation, funder, and local resident who has contributed their time, energy, and ideas throughout the year. The continued success of The High Backs belongs to the whole community, and we look forward to building on these achievements together in the years ahead.
→ Find out more about supporting The High Backs on our Thank You page.