A year of purpose, partnership and impact

It has been another significant year for Glasgow Life, one that has demonstrated the vital role our charity plays in improving lives, strengthening communities and supporting Glasgow’s ambitions as a healthy, inclusive and vibrant city.

Every day we create opportunities that help people improve their mental and physical health and wellbeing, build their confidence, develop skills and connect with others. This Annual Review highlights the difference those opportunities continue to make and shows what can be achieved when we bring community, creativity and collaboration together. 

Throughout 2025/26, Glasgow Life continued to play a key role in Glasgow City Council's priority of reducing child poverty. Our services and programmes remained central to that ambition, supporting family learning and employability, and tackling inequality and digital exclusion.

A major development was the launch of Active Glasgow, the city’s new Physical Activity and Sport Strategy to 2035. Co-created with local and national partners, it sets a clear direction for reducing health inequalities and increasing participation over the next decade.

Glasgow’s reputation as an outstanding events destination continued to grow. From a record-breaking year for Celtic Connections to the return of the city’s much-loved Aye Write Book Festival, we again welcomed audiences, artists and visitors from around the world.

Preparations for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games also accelerated throughout the year, with teams across Glasgow Life working closely with partners to get our venues ready for another defining moment in the city's sporting history.

At the same time, we continued to invest in Glasgow’s future with progress on the refurbishment of Langside Library, the development of the new Baillieston Community Hub, plans for the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens, and the creation of a Culture and Heritage District around Sauchiehall Street. These projects reflect our long-term commitment to helping people feel a stronger connection to where they live and ensuring communities have spaces they can call their own.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our colleagues and volunteers, the support of Glasgow City Council, our Board and partners, and the generosity of our funders and donors. I am proud of what we have achieved together over the past year and grateful for the trust placed in Glasgow Life. 

There is so much more than I’m able to highlight in this brief introduction. Throughout our Annual Review you will find a fuller picture of the impact Glasgow Life continues to have across the city, and the difference it brings to people’s lives every day. I’m sure, like me, you will be inspired by what it reveals.

Kay Morrison
Chief Executive
Glasgow Life