Funds for charity to help mining communities
A charity that supports initiatives to improve health and employment prospects for people in former mining communities has secured funding and appointed a new head of operations for Scotland.
The Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) has received fresh government funding of £750,000 to deliver its 2021/2022 programme.crtwasfounded more than two decades ago to help regenerate coalfield communities following widespread pit closures and it has since invested more than £20 million across Scotland.
CRT said the funding would help it continue to tackle the issues that impact its communities, such as higher than average unemployment, many children living in poverty and poor health – many of which have been exacerbated by the pandemic.
Nicky Wilson, chair of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust in Scotland, said: “We would like to thank the Scottish Government for its ongoing support in helping us tackle social and economic issues that continue to impact many former mining areas.
“Over the past year we have worked with our communities to address problems, such as unemployment and health, that have been exacerbated by the pandemic”
CRT has also welcomed a new head of operations for Scotland, Stuart Douglas. He has more than 30 years’ experience in various third, public and community sector roles.
Douglas said: “I hope to bring new and additional resources to coalfield communities and work to support areas that have been affected significantly by the pandemic.”