Introducing the Scottish good cause shortlisted to share £75,000 Community Connect funding.
Scotmid members decide how the funding is split by allocating their Community Connect votes in store or at their OGM on 3rd October (East & West) or 4th October (North)
In the East…
Edinburgh City Mission support the most vulnerable people living in the city, they provide outreach services to reach as many people as possible, offer befriending support and assist those who facing challenges in their lives. In Edinburgh 22% of households live on incomes below the poverty threshold and funding would be used to host a weekly sit-down meal service for those most in need.
LoveOliver is a small charity which funds research into childhood cancer and provides practical support for families affected by it. They run a drop-in cafe at The Howat Hub, opposite Edinburgh’s Children’s Hospital, which is run solely by volunteers and is currently open 2 days a week, funding would be used to employ a full-time member of staff to allow the cafe to open full time.
The School Bank West Lothian helps to reduce child poverty for families experiencing financial hardship in West Lothian. They confidentially supply school uniforms and other essential items on a referral basis and funding would be used to enhance the offerings provided to include pre-school children, a Winter jacket & shoes provision and reach more families as demand increases.
In the North…
Banff & Macduff Mens Shed helps members by engaging in community improvement projects. They are in the process of turning a former school into a community hub for use by over 40 community groups. Seeking Scotmid funding to help with renovation costs.
Charlie House provides support in the North east of Scotland to babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions. Seeking Scotmid funding to support their activities programme which delivers free, fully accessible, inclusive activities for children and their families.
Montrose Playhouse is a community owned cinema and art centre. They are seeking funding to support their The Food Projects, which includes a Community Fridge, to help the local community reduce food waste, save money and make the Playhouse even more accessible.
In the West…
Bear Necessities is a small charity based in Airdrie who support vulnerable families who have experienced poverty, isolation, or a survivor of domestic abuse. They support families by providing recycled clothing and equipment for babies. They also work closely with NHS Lanarkshire and social Work and First Steps teams by providing groups and activities for families to improve outcomes, reduce inequalities and develop support networks to help families and children living in poverty, isolation or surviving domestic abuse achieve their full potential.
Cerebral Palsy Scotland is a charity that improves the lives of children and adults with cerebral palsy through specialist therapy, support and information. For over 25 years their therapists have worked alongside people with cerebral palsy, their families and carers, helping them develop practical skills which transform daily life. Funds from Scotmid will power their work, providing up to 100 therapy sessions, so that every person with cerebral palsy in Scotland can reach their full potential.
REACH was established in 2012 to bridge the gap in post diagnostic services across Lanarkshire, to provide support to families who have a young person with an Autism Spectrum Condition living within North & South Lanarkshire. They hope to use the funds towards activities, hall hire and trips throughout the year as these things help children, young people and families to help feel included within their communities.