Our History

The Mungo Foundation becomes fully independent from the Archdiocese of Glasgow in June 2020. Continuing to operate approximately 30 care services across Glasgow and the West of Scotland and meeting the needs of over 1,500 vulnerable people a year.

At the Scottish Awards for Business Excellence The Mungo Foundation wins a ‘Recognised for Excellence’ 3 Star Award from EFQM. This sparks the formation of our ‘Care to Excel’ programme, as part our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

With the help of a dedicated fundraising coordinator the foundation begins to step up it’s fundraising operation; early highlights include a Ladies Lunch, hosted by Gina McKie, and a Zip Slide across the Clyde.

Taking over as CEO from Dana O’Dwyer, Tricia helps guide the organisation through a period of uncertainty; with austerity leading to funding cuts, her pragmatic approach helps to ensure the future of the organisation.

The Mungo Foundation holds it’s first Sports Day, bringing hundreds of people from across the organisation together for a day of fun activity.

The Mungo Foundation takes over the Campus Project. The project, which provides support to unaccompanied asylum seeking children, goes on to win a Herald Angel Award for it’s unique approach.

Based in Drumchapel, Crannog is unique within The Mungo Foundation’s portfolio, as it provides care and support for three different groups; adults with learning disabilities, those with dementia and adults living with Alcohol Related Brain Damage.

The decision is made that the Community Social Services Department should be set up as an independent organisation, separate from the Archdiocese. As a result The Mungo Foundation is formed, taking it’s name (and the ring in it’s logo) from St Mungo, the patron saint of Glasgow.

Against the backdrop of the HIV / AIDS crisis Red Tower opens in the early 90’s. A residential rehabilitation centre, it provides support for up to 30 adults dealing with addiction issues. In over two decades it helps to change the lives of 1000’s of people, before it’s forced to close in 2012, due to changes in the way addictions treatment is funded.

By this point the group is formally known as the Community Social Services Department of the Archdiocese of Glasgow, led by Cardinal Winning. In the face of wide-ranging poverty and social exclusion they become more ambitious. Working in partnership with the Council and local Housing Associations they take on a number of new residential and respite facilities; one of these, Glengowan House, is the organisation’s first homelessness project, for young men in Pollokshields.

The group begin using nun’s accommodation (attached to a Catholic secondary school) to pioneer the development of weekend respite services for children with learning disabilities. This is known as Mitre Flat. In 1977 Father McGuire approaches Glasgow City Council to secure more suitabe accommodation; this results in the formation of Mitre House, which continues to provide support for those with learning disabilities to this day.

Recognising a total lack of support for children with learning and physical disabilities, families work together with figures from within Glasgow’s Catholic community to develop Support Clubs. These groups provide day opportunities and activities, with Father McGuire and Sister Mary Agnes playing crucial roles.