103 community arts and sports groups to share £750,000
Over 100 community arts and sports groups across Scotland have been awarded a share in £750,000 of National Lottery funding.
The money was handed out this week as part of the Awards for All small grants programme.
Recipients included a project aimed at uniting people from different cultures to swimming lessons for people with disabilities.
An Awards for All spokesman, said a variety of projects had been given funding from £500 up to £10,000.
“We are always surprised at the difference a relatively small amount of money can make,” he added.
“These awards clearly show how National Lottery money is helping to change lives across Scotland’s communities.”
In Glasgow, The Hidden Gardens Trust received an award of £9,013 to run a series of Wee Happening events for families from all cultures and faiths to come together.
Natalie Davidson, community and creative programme manager, said: “Wee Happenings are events designed for families with children under five years that aim to bring families together in our beautiful and inspiring greenspace.
“Working with some of Scotland’s best artists we provide creative activities that inspire, engage and educate.
“Funding from Awards for All will allow us to prepare and promote a programme of exciting activities across all four seasons of the year here at The Hidden Gardens. “
Ecas Limited will continue to run a programme of swimming lessons for people with disabilities in Edinburgh, thanks to an award of £4,210. The group rents a local pool in the city for six hours every week and have specially a qualified tutor and lifeguard on hand to supervise the sessions.
Neil Russell, swimming group leader, said: “People with severe mobility impairments often find they can exercise in water much more than on land.
“There’s also a social element to the swimming, which can be the person’s only weekly outing in some cases.
“Opportunities for swimming can be extremely limited though due to their specific needs, particularly in terms of the appropriate changing facilities, specialist equipment such as hoists and beds and having to have higher than normal water temperatures.
“The funding from Awards for All will help us continue to make a huge difference to the lives of physically disabled adults by improving their health and wellbeing as well as giving them a sense of achievement.”
In the Borders, people living in Duns will make their town a more colourful place to live thanks to an award of £7,150 to A Heart for Duns.
Groups of volunteers, old and young, will come together to help maintain flower beds and displays throughout the town.
Derek James, convenor, said, “This award will make all the difference to our work allowing us to involve far more people in active gardening.
“The new poly-tunnel will allow us to grow our own plants and offer a safe working environment for people who may not feel comfortable working outside.”
Applications are received on a rolling basis and can be received at any time. Application forms can be found at biglotteryfund.org.uk/awardsforallscotland.
