Happy cash boost
Trust receives impressive funding support
Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust has received a significant funding boost.
The Big Lottery Fund has awarded them £749,404 through its growing community assets fund, to be spent over four years to continue the development of their community hub, Number 18 on Farmeloan Road.
According to the group, the cash will allow them to develop a “sustainable asset that is fully utilised by the local community increasing health, wellbeing and social cohesion and delivering both social and economic benefits.”
Number 18 will provide a mix of services delivered by Healthy n Happy and by partner organisations, including training and events, a range of meeting spaces, a small community cafe and a wide variety of activities seven days per week as well as daytime and evening events.
These activities will be delivered across key areas of lifelong learning and employability, health and wellbeing, access to arts and culture and community cohesion, resilience and empowerment.
Brendan Rooney, executive director of Healthy n Happy, said: “We are delighted that the growing community assets funding will allow us to provide a fully inclusive multi- functional community space delivering an increased range of services and opportunities for local people based on community needs and aspirations that improve quality of life.
“We will be able to increase the type and number of supported volunteering placements; to facilitate training and learning opportunities and increase employment and work experience opportunities.
“We’re determined to see Cambuslang and Rutherglen become the healthiest and happiest places to live in Scotland and this funding is another important step in achieving that ambition.”
Maureen McGinn, chair of Big Lottery Fund Scotland, added: “I am delighted that Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust has been successful in securing a Big Lottery Fund grant.
“The funding will make a big difference where it is needed most and I wish them every success as it goes on to develop and expand its project for the benefit of their local community.”
Ian Manson, chief executive of Clyde Gateway, another early supporter of Number 18, said: “Clyde Gateway was delighted to provide the financial support to Healthy n Happy’s ambitions of securing a new home at Number 18, a move that has proven to be a success story from the outset.
“I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in this successful bid for Big Lottery funding, the result of which will enable a further expansion of services to the benefit of thousands of local residents.”