Case Studies

LaunchMe: The Play Center Glasgow CIC

About The Play Centre Glasgow CIC

The Play Center Glasgow is a Community Interest Company (CIC) that emerged from founder Adekemi witnessing the harsh realities of poverty in the local community in Drumchapel, Glasgow. Founded on the understanding that “poverty in itself has wings” – meaning it spreads and affects multiple aspects of family life – the organisation is dedicated to changing the narrative around disadvantage and creating better opportunities for local families.

While formally registered as a CIC in 2021, The Play Center Glasgow CIC had been operating informally well before that, growing organically from community need and local relationships.

They were born from a desire to “change the narrative and make our lives better” – not just providing temporary relief but creating lasting change in how communities experience and overcome poverty.

What They Do

The Play Center Glasgow CIC’s approach is deeply rooted in valuing people. They operate multiple programmes run by both staff and volunteers, designed to support their community holistically through:

Youth and Family Support

• Mentoring programmes for young people
• After-school activities providing safe spaces and learning opportunities
• Community support in the Drumchapel area

Employment Support

• Dedicated programmes helping women into work
• Skills development and training opportunities
• Pathways to employment for local residents

Community Integration

• Specialist support for minority ethnic communities in Glasgow
• Cultural bridging and integration services
• Community cohesion activities

Why They Joined LaunchMe 

They joined LaunchMe to gain support for developing their social enterprise, recognising the need for structured guidance to grow their reach and social impact.

Running a social enterprise can be profoundly isolating. As Adekemi explains:

“It can be a lonely journey sometimes, and when you’re in company of others, it makes the burden bearable.”

They needed to connect with like-minded people who understood the challenges and passion involved in social enterprise work.

What LaunchMe Provided

• Development Opportunities – Support not just for the founder, but recognition that staff and volunteers needed development too, understanding that “humans are the clothes that you wrap around” the vision
• Community of Understanding – Connected them with “amazing people, heads of organisations” who truly understood their passion, vision, and desire to grow their enterprise
• Peer Support Network – Finding others who “get it” – who understand the unique challenges and motivations of social entrepreneurs working in disadvantaged communities

Reaching Their Community

Their journey through LaunchMe highlights the importance of peer support and professional development in sustaining social entrepreneurs who are tackling complex, systemic issues like poverty.

After joining LaunchMe, The Play Center Glasgow CIC found that their impact was amplified in the community through:

• Sustained Community Presence – Maintaining consistent support for Drumchapel and Glasgow’s minority ethnic communities
• Multi-Programme Delivery – Running diverse programmes from youth mentoring to employment support, demonstrating organisational maturity and community responsiveness
• Enhanced Leadership Capacity – Gaining access to a supportive network that has helped sustain their leadership team through challenging times

Future Aspirations

The Play Center Glasgow CIC demonstrates how social enterprises can grow from grassroots community observation into structured organisations capable of delivering multiple programmes. Their aspirations focus on their legacy and long-term strategy for when people move on from the organisation, they “look back with joy in their heart” – creating positive, transformative experiences that last beyond direct involvement.

Their people-centred approach – seeing staff, volunteers, and community members as integral to the vision rather than just recipients of services – offers a model for how social enterprises can create lasting change while building sustainable organisations.

The founder’s metaphor of people as “the clothes that you wrap around this vision” captures the essence of effective social enterprise: having a clear mission while recognising that achieving it depends entirely on empowering and developing the people who make the work possible.

The Play Center Glasgow CIC’s Lessons for other Social Enterprises

1. Community Connection is Crucial – The most effective social enterprises often emerge from direct community involvement and witnessing need firsthand
2. Holistic Approaches Work – Addressing poverty requires multiple interventions – from youth support to employment programmes to community integration
3. People Are Your Greatest Asset – Investing in staff and volunteer development creates lasting impact beyond direct service delivery
4. Peer Support Prevents Burnout – Connecting with other social entrepreneurs who understand the unique challenges prevents isolation and sustains motivation
5. Formal Structure Supports Growth – Moving from informal community work to formal CIC status can provide the framework needed for sustainable growth
6. Cultural Competence Matters – Specialist support for minority ethnic communities requires understanding of specific cultural needs and barriers

Find out more about The Play Center CIC on their website, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.