The Big Lottery Fund Scotland and Sports Scotland run Awards for All grants programme has revealed which voluntary organisations will get funding
From running creative workshops for people living with dementia in Central Scotland to piloting an innovative project which encourages men to come forward for health check-ups, the latest Awards for All Scotland small grants programme is helping grassroots projects support wellbeing in communities across the country.
Dewar House Carers Group, based in Hamilton, is a residential care home for people living with dementia. An award of £4,650 means it can buy new outdoor furniture so residents can make the most of the gardens and outdoor space.
This money from Awards for All will help us buy some fantastic new outdoor furniture so we will now all be able to sit outside in comfort - Elsie Balneaves
Elsie Balneaves’ husband Alec is one of the residents in the home. She said: “The garden is the only place where we can sit together and get well needed fresh air and sunshine. This money from Awards for All will help us buy some fantastic new outdoor furniture so we will now all be able to sit outside in comfort.”
Based in Troon, MENSELF+ Family Relationships Scotland will be able to pilot their MOT4MEN programme after an award of £10,000. The programme is specially designed to promote health and wellbeing awareness. Staff will attend six major events over the course of the year to learn how to encourage men to come forward to have an informal health check-up or discuss medical concerns.
Jim Malcolmson, project manager for MENSELF+, said: “We are delighted to get this award to deliver our MOT4MEN programme. This will allow us to travel to events where men are already gathering, like the Scottish Truck Fest Show, so this award is crucial to us to be able to showcase our programme across Scotland."
Montrose Stroke Club will be able to run a programme of outings for stroke survivors and their families after an award of £1,850.
Frances Barber, a member of Montrose Stroke Club, said: “After I had my stroke I was living on my own and I found it difficult to communicate and socialise with others. Joining the club helped me immensely as I met other people who had the same problems as me. This award will make a huge difference as it will allow us all to go out as a group together. It’s great as our members who need a wheelchair can go on day trips, and we can now hire a specially adapted bus.”
Based in Stirling, Artlink Central Limited, will continue a series of creative workshops for people diagnosed with dementia from across the Forth Valley area thanks to an award of £10,000. The specially crafted workshops are designed to help participants connect with their loved ones and other people in the group using various different art forms.
Sarah Pearson, artistic programmer at Artlink Central Limited, said: “This award will help us continue to support people who have dementia using visual art, music and drama to jog memories. These and other reminiscence based activities will allow older people throughout Forth Valley to express themselves, meet other people and learn new skills.”
Awards for All Scotland gives out grants of between £500 and £10,000 to projects that bring communities together to enjoy a range of activities. It is a partnership by sportscotland and Big Lottery Fund. Groups can download application forms here.
