A BARRHEAD charity has launched its new Ideas Academy in a freshly-kitted out space at Crossmill Business Park.

The hub was officially opened for Include Me 2 Club (IM2C) by Provost Mary Montague and East Renfrewshire Council leader Owen O’Donnell.

The Ideas Academy is a three-in-one space that includes a training centre, storage for bicycles that have been donated and a general store for the charity’s growing collection of equipment and resources as it continues to expand.

Described as “a genuine incubator space to test, try and develop ideas into reality,” it will also provide a base for IM2C’s DJ Skool, Media Makers, Media Explorers, Training Hub, Barista Academy and Awards Hub, as well as other new projects and services which will “springboard from” the facility.

In a post on social media, a spokesperson for IM2C said: “We were absolutely delighted to have Provost Mary Montague and council leader Owen O’Donnell along to open our brand new Ideas Academy.

“This space will be used for a huge range of things, from the DJ Skool to coffee training, podcasting and media work – the possibilities are endless.

“The ribbon is cut and the space is open, ready for ideas to flow and develop.”

Councillor O’Donnell told the Barrhead News he was delighted to attend the official launch.

“The group already does such fantastic work in the community and at this new facility it was inspiring to see their innovative approaches to engaging young people and developing their work and life skills,” he added.

“To top it all off, the coffee from their Social Blend baristas is without doubt the best in East Renfrewshire.

“Well done to everyone involved.”

The hub will help IM2C develop the likes of its new Media Makers programmes, which will provide an opportunity for people to learn about media in all shapes and sizes, mediums and processes, including storyboarding, photography, video making, podcasting and vlogging.

It is billed as a great opportunity for those aged 16 and over who are keen to learn more about making media, building their confidence and developing new skills, as well as working towards recognised qualifications.

For more information, call 0141 881 0544, send an email to info@includeme2club.org.uk or go online at includeme2club.org.uk.