Today the National Lottery’s Awards for All programme is awarding grants totalling £1,254,813 to 175 groups across Scotland.
Dumfries and Galloway MP Russell Brown and Dumfriesshire MSP Elaine Murray have welcomed the news that a number of local organisations have received funding awards from Big Lottery Scotland.
As part of the Big Lottery Scotland’s “Awards for All” fund, six projects from across the region are to receive funding. “Awards for All” is the small grants which makes awards of between £500 and £10,000 to grass-roots community groups and voluntary organisations.
The six organisations were the Eksdale Valley First Responders, Park School in Stranraer, the RSPB, Stranraer Wheelchair Curling Club, the Dickshill Reference Group and the Whithorn Bowling Club.
Commenting on the award, Russell Brown said:
“I am delighted that so many projects in Galloway are to receive grants from the Big Lottery. All five of the organisations are putting the money to excellent use with a wide variety of projects. Congratulations to them all on receiving the funding and I will support all these organisations in any way I can.”
Commening on the award for Eskdale Valley First Responders, Elaine Murray said:
“The Eskdale Valley First Responders is a fairly new organisation in the area and I know local people appreciate the fact that there are a group of people out there who can offer medical support when local people are waiting for an ambulance. With a potential wait time of up to 20 minutes, they provide a very much needed service. I am delighted that they have received this funding from the Big Lottery which allow them to fund equipment so they can provide this excellent service.”
An Awards for All spokesperson, said: “Today’s funding will support a range of community groups across the length and breadth of Scotland. Bringing together people, young and old, they show that a relatively small amount of money can make the biggest of difference. Whether it’s helping older people to feel less isolated or bringing people together to celebrate their heritage these groups will reach out to communities improving lives and bringing fun and friendship to local people.”
Awards for All is the small grants scheme supported by three of the National Lottery good cause distributors in Scotland: Creative Scotland, the Big Lottery Fund and sportscotland. The scheme makes awards of between £500 and £10,000 to grass-roots community groups and voluntary organisations.
The Funding awards are
Eskdale Valley First Responders £5,266 The Eskdale Valley First Responders’ project aims to respond more quickly and offer medical support while waiting for the ambulance to arrive, which can be up to 20 minutes. The applicant will use the funding for equipment to carry out this project.
Park School £6,419 The school has approximately 197 primary school pupils and 76 nursery children currently enrolled and runs a Special Educational Needs (SENS) Learning Centre which accommodates up to 20 children. With this grant the school will develop a nurture zone which will support the inclusion of children who are affected by social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
RSPB £10,000 This project will install a visitors’ pathway and improve existing stone dykes in their Mull of Galloway nature reserve. It will also incorporate new directional signage and ensure a more improved visitor experience.
Stranraer Wheelchair Curling Club £2,308 The club will use the funding to allow 5 players and a coach to compete in the Scottish Wheelchair Curling Championships. The funds will help to cover accommodation and transport costs. The organisation will also purchase equipment to help with coaching sessions for the members.
The Dickshill Reference Group £1,600 The project will improve their current service provision by enabling four members of the applicant’s committee to visit similar voluntary groups based in Glasgow and Dundee to share learned experience and best practice. All learning from the visits will then be used to plan and run community events that meet needs of local people.
Whithorn Bowling Club £7,900 The grant will be used to replace the doors and windows, and to redecorate and re-carpet the building.
