Thirty-two grassroots projects across Scotland have received a share of £300,000 to help strengthen local communities and tackle poverty at its roots.
The funding has been distributed through a partnership between the Scottish Government and the STV Children’s Appeal, targeting organisations working on the ground to promote inclusion, dignity and social connection.
Projects awarded funding include Y Sort It in Clydebank to upgrade its communal cookery programme, Govan Help to support its Parent Wellbeing Programme, and CentreStage Kilmarnock to expand activities for people experiencing social isolation.
In Dundee, community centre Boomerang has secured almost £6,000 to extend funding for a Cosy Café Support Worker through the winter months.
Boomerang runs a range of services including a Stay and Play Toddler Group, a Food Larder, Latin Dance classes and its Cosy Café, which has become a regular meeting point for local residents.
Visiting Boomerang to announce the awards, Minister for Equalities Kaukab Stewart said:
“Inclusive and connected communities are a ‘must-have’ for a resilient, safe, and thriving Scotland.
“I’m very pleased that we have been able to partner with the STV Children’s Appeal to make these awards, which will support vital grassroots projects that are uniting people from different backgrounds, cultures and faiths.
“Our commitment to looking out for one another is one of the things that we should be very proud of as Scots, and I have seen some fantastic examples of this here today at Boomerang.
“We are also proud of Scotland’s diverse society which is why the Scottish Government will continue to invest in building the strong, connected communities that all of us want to see.”
Carrie Reid, Centre Manager at Boomerang, said:
“Thousands of people have benefited from our Cosy Cafe over many years.
“It has improved people’s mental health and wellbeing, fostered deeper social connections and has encouraged creativity.
“We’ve also seen increased confidence and self-esteem with our loyal volunteers who run the Cafe as they have learned new tasks and socialised with the people who attend, building up their self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
“Thank you from all the staff, volunteers and service users for your support.”
Natalie Wright, Head of the STV Children’s Appeal, added:
“We’re delighted to be partnering with the Scottish Government to disburse this fund, which will enhance the work that grassroots organisations are doing up and down the country to strengthen their communities.
“We work with a wide range of charities who are doing fantastic work, bringing people together and responding quickly to people’s needs, and we know that this additional support will make a difference where it really matters.”
With demand for local support services rising, the funding is designed to help community organisations respond quickly and flexibly to the needs of families and individuals across Scotland.
