Community Connect: West Shortlisted Good Cause Groups

The first-ever cycle of Community Connect in Scotmid’s West Member Region will be decided on Monday 30 April 2018 at the Annual General Meeting in Bellshill.

The three short-listed good cause groups, who will be awarded funding of £15,000, £7,500 and £2.500, vying for votes on the night are as follows:

 Glasgow East End Carers 

Formed in 1992, Glasgow East End Carers recognise that carers need support, information and advice and provide this by offering services in their ‘Carers Hub’.

The Hub provides activities that improve physical, emotional and mental well-being – providing a break from caring, helping to reduce stress and building greater resilience.

Funding from the Community Connect award will be used enable carers to attend workshops and support groups which teach stress management and relaxation techniques; helping the carers to continue in their role and reduce pressure on health and social work services.

West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare

A foodshare charity covering Dumbarton and the Vale, West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare helps people who are experiencing food poverty – distributing food, toiletries, toys and uniforms to people in immediate need alongside agencies, who can provide longer term support.

Funding from the Community Connect award will be used to launch their innovative ‘Cooking and Growing’ programme, which enables people to learn how to grow their own food and cook healthy meals on a budget.

The funding will enable the charity to connect with people experiencing hardship and teach them cooking skills and then provide them with the cooking equipment so that they continue to use them at home.

Street Connect

Based in Glasgow, Street Connect support disadvantaged individuals dealing with addiction problems and related life-controlling issues such as mental health, homelessness and isolation.

Volunteers at Street Connect’s Outreach Cafés offer a friendly welcome, a listening ear and information on the range of services available which includes rehabilitation support.

Funding from the Community Connect award will be used to refurbish Street Connect’s Outreach Café in Glasgow city centre – improving the facilities and the service provided.

The results will be announced at the West AGM on Monday 30 April and then the next cycle of three short-listed groups will be revealed – the Community Connect journey continues…