Morgan Stanley announced the launch of its Healthy Cities programme in Glasgow. With a focus on the Sighthill Estate, which is currently undergoing significant regeneration as part of a £250 million Glasgow City Council project to rejuvenate the area, the Healthy Cities programme will seek to help to recreate a thriving community once again working with local charities and organisations to help deliver a tailored programme for the residents.
Sighthill was chosen as the focus for the programme in Glasgow following research into which areas would most benefit from the programme. With a particular focus on children’s health and well-being, Morgan Stanley was drawn to the area because it is one of the most disadvantaged areas in Glasgow with 41% of children living in poverty, experiencing higher levels of being overweight or obese.
The programme was first launched in New York in 2014, moving to London in 2015 and has continued to expand across the US and also recently to Mumbai. This global initiative is designed to improve child health by driving innovative interventions in the areas of wellness, nutrition and play.
John McGrory, General Manager of the Glasgow Office, said “Morgan Stanley opened its office in Glasgow over 17 years ago and it is a city close to our hearts. A core value of ours is giving back to the communities in which we live and work, and during our time in Glasgow we have developed excellent partnerships with charitable and public organisations to do just that”.
McGrory continued, “The success of the Healthy Cities programme is reliant on a strong network of charitable organisations with whom we have close and longlasting relationships, without them the programme wouldn’t be the success it is today. Healthy Cities highlights the positive and long-lasting community impact of partnerships between different stakeholders, each bringing their own expertise and knowledge to the table.”
Organisations including Magic Breakfast, PEEK (Possibilities for Each and Every Kid), Glasgow City Council and Public Health will come together and through pulling their expertise will aim to help the programme deliver on a range of objectives including:
- Serving 9600 meals
- Organising and completing 8,800 hours of play
- 600 hours of play training to parents and volunteers
- Provide healthy eating and wellbeing advice for families