Fundraising appeal for ‘happy’ hall under way
Public support needed to bring in £5k to upgrade site
Members of an east Perthshire Scottish Women’s Institute (SWI) have appealed for public support in the hope of bridging a funding gap.
Kinloch SWI is in the process of planning a revamp of its well-used Dunkeld Road hall and is seeking to raise £5000 to top-up grant funding already received and achieve its aims.
An online crowdfunding page has been set up and donations can be pledged via the Aviva Community Fund website until March 23.
The hall was gifted to Kinloch SWI by local laird Mr Meacher in 1929 and has been kept in good order.
But institute secretary Elspeth Campbell explained work is required to bring it in line with modern health and safety standards.
Planned additions include an access ramp, internal and external lighting, an improved fire exit and an accessible toilet, with the latter in particular planned so the venue can be used by wider sections of the local community.
Elspeth said: “The only income we have is what we raise from our monthly meeting raffles as our annual subscriptions go to SWI HQ and the Perth and Kinross Federation, leaving us with a small amount for the upkeep of the hall.
“This past year we haven’t had any revenue from raffles or subscriptions as we have not been allowed to meet. We hope to have these necessary repairs done by the time we start meeting again for the safety of all users.
“We have accessed three grants already but have a shortfall of approximately £5000.
“If we can raise this amount, it will allow us to carry out all of the planned upgrade – which would reduce isolation for more people, improve quality of life and wellbeing and promote a sense of inclusivity and belonging.
“It is a ‘happy’ hall and everyone who
comes along to our open evenings remarks on what a friendly, welcoming, venue it is.
“With people’s help, we’ll be able to make it even better.”
As well as Kinloch SWI, the hall is also used by Clunie Wives Group, the tenants’ association of the new Park Homes
community at Marlee Loch, the SWI’s Blairgowrie Group and the Perth and Kinross SWI Federation.
To make a donation, search for Kinloch SWI on the website www. avivacommunityfund.co.uk before the March 23 deadline.
A new support service has started for young people in east Perthshire and beyond who are carers or have experienced disadvantage in their lives.
Perth and Kinross Council and awardwinning charity MCR Pathways have joined forces to provide a mentoring programme at three schools – Blairgowrie High School, Perth Grammar School and St John’s RC Academy.
The project works by matching a volunteer mentor to help a young person build confidence, overcome challenges and embark on what is hoped will be a positive future.
Weekly mentoring sessions are held between a young person and the mentor they have been matched with, who commits an hour of their time to meet in school each week.
Mentors are fully trained and give their time to listen and encourage a young person.
MCR Pathways is looking for the first 100 volunteer mentors to get involved.
Graeme McEwan, CEO of MCR Pathways, said: “Our volunteers come from all walks of life – anyone can be a mentor, they just need an hour a week and the desire to make a difference.
“We’d also love to hear from local employers who would like to support staff to get involved.
“Mentors and their employers gain massively from the experience for relatively little time commitment.
“Our partnership with the local authority will make a huge difference to so many young people, directing vital support to those who need it most.
“MCR mentoring is making a statistically significant impact on educational outcomes for Scotland’s young people, many of whom are now even more at risk to a widening attainment gap since the impact of the
Covid-19 pandemic.”
Perth and Kinross Council’s lifelong learning committee convener, Blairgowrie and Glens elected member Caroline Shiers, said: “As a council we have already been looking to provide additional support to careexperienced and otherwise disadvantaged young people so they can achieve their fullest potential in life.
“This partnership with MCR Pathways takes that process a step further by linking mentors with young people for weekly individual contact.
“At a time when lockdown has had a massive impact on us all, and particularly young people, having someone ready to listen and encourage is extremely valuable.”
Perthshire North MSP John Swinney – who is also Deputy First Minister and the Scottish Government’s education secretary – added: “It is crucial that young people in or on the edge of the care system are given every opportunity to succeed in life.
“To that end, I am delighted that MCR Pathways will be introducing their mentoring programme to three schools in my constituency.
“MCR Pathways will help ensure that potentially vulnerable young people are given the necessary support to move forward with their lives in a positive manner.
“The impacts of mentoring are well documented and profound – building confidence, expanding skillsets and creating opportunities for those who take part.
“I am sure that this is only the start of a hugely positive collaboration between MCR Pathways and schools across Perth and Kinross.
“I look forward to seeing the impact that their work will have in the months and years ahead, and I am sure that this news will be welcomed by parents, pupils and teachers alike.”
For more information in becoming a mentor, visit www.mcrpathways.org or email perth-kinross@mcrpathways.org.