Over £300,000 in grant funding handed out

Good causes groups in Edinburgh and the Lothians are celebrating receiving £311,638 in funding between them.

Using money raised by HealthShow CIC, through The Health Lottery, the grants were awarded by People’s Health Trust through Active Communities, a funding programme, which invests in local people and groups in communities with great ideas to make their communities even better.

Bridgend Inspiring Growth received £44,493 and this two-year project aims to continue developing Bridgend Farmhouse as a hub and learning centre for the communities of Craigmillar, Inch and Moredun North.

They surround Craigmillar Castle Park Woodlands and the project aims to create stronger links between these residents through their commonly shared resourc.

It is planned to, run activities including landscaping, gardening and outdoor crafts plus community lunches.

Craigmillar Literacy Trust received £16,458 and this two-year project is an extension of an existing reading session for parents and children under three living in the area.

The project will deliver reading and storytelling sessions which aim to improve parents’ confidence while providing a fun and stimulating activity for both parents and children.

LivingRent received £17,709 and this one-year project will bring together vulnerable and low-income tenants in the city.

The aim is to equip them with the skills and confidence to campaign to improve the standard of privately rented homes.

Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre received £29,682 and this two-year project will use the community garden of Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre as a back-drop for a new programme of activities.

The garden will become a community oasis in which a group of 20 people who face mental health issues or social isolation will take part in a structured three-days-a -week programme.

It will provide garden tasks like planting produce alongside personal development opportunities including Tai Chi and woodwork.

A ‘conversation café’ will provide a social aspect and the project seeks to help form strong, positive and affirming relationships.

WHALE, The Arts Agency received £13,638 and this existing two-year project will help provide support to adults in Wester Hailes who experience anxiety, isolation, depression and other issues.

The project will provide a weekly textile workshop to enable group members to gain new skills, participate in community initiatives and develop self-confidence and self-esteem.

Footnote; Active Communities is for community groups and not-for-profit organisations, with an income of less than £350,000 a year who are seeking investment of between £5,000 and £50,000 a year for projects lasting up to two years.

For more information visit www.PeoplesHealthTrust.org.uk