Uniform approach to helping out families
Hamilton Parkwalk forcharity
Alzheimer Scotland is bringing its memory walk programme to Hamilton.
The charity has launched its events in a bid to make sure nobody faces dementia alone.
A memory walk fundraising event will take place at Hamilton Park racecourse on Sunday, September 15.
Organisers say the familyfriendly walks provide a positive opportunity to support people living with dementia or to remember those lost to the illness.
All money raised is reinvested to help Alzheimer Scotland provide highquality, dementia-specific activities, support and care for people with dementia as well as funding a 24-hour freephone dementia helpline on 0808 808 3000.
Sally Mcnaught, head of localities fundraising at Alzheimer Scotland, said: “Our memory walk events provide a positive way for communities to get together locally to walk in honour of someone they care about.”
To sign up, visit www. memorywalksscotland.org.
Community volunteers have joined forces to organise a ‘Back to School’ event for low-income families.
It will be held in Hillhouse and Earnock Community Centre on Wednesday, August 7, between 11am and 3pm.
And it will be offering free items for pupils attending both primary and secondary school.
Paul Hayward, communications officer for Community Links, said:“we are delighted to once again be in a position to offer support to families who need assistance with accessing school uniforms for the new school term.
“The level of support we received last year from local people, schools and organisations was absolutely phenomenal and was regarded as one of our most successful initiatives and events to date.
“We would not have been able to organise the event had it not been for the generosity and kindness of local people – who once again have been busy donating items for this year’s event.
“We want to eliminate any stigma or embarrassment for families who may need a bit of help or support.
“We all know that buying new uniforms can be expensive at the best of times, particularly for families who have more than one child – so we want to make sure that we do our very best to help as many families as we possibly can.
“All donated school uniforms and clothing have been kindly laundered by the Community Payback Team and are of a high standard and quality.
“We want it to be as successful as last year and we are expecting another great turn-out – so come along and see for yourself.”
Community Links (South Lanarkshire) have teamed up with Community Playscheme to organise the day. Last year, over 350 people attended events across Hillhouse, Fairhill and Burnbank during the course of a week. Families who attended were provided everything they needed to help them get organised for the new term, including school uniforms, shoes, jackets, stationery and haircuts – all free of charge.
This year, there will be one big event in Hillhouse and families from the surrounding areas of Hillhouse, Udston and Burnbank are invited to come along.
The initiative is part of the Our Place Our Plan scheme which encourages communities, partners and organisations to work together to make positive changes in Hillhouse, Udston and Burnbank.
Funding for the event has been provided by Community Links, with additional support from ASDA Hamilton who have contributed £1000 to purchase new uniforms.
This year’s Back to School event will take place on Wednesday, August 7, between 11am-3pm in Hillhouse and Earnock Community Centre.
Free resources for this year will include: • New and ‘gently used’ clothes; • Lunch box supplies; • School supplies; • Haircuts for boys and girls. For more information, call (01698) 827583, email: paul@ communitylinkssl.co.uk or visit the Our Place Our Plan Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ ourplaceourplanh