Tartan Talkers charity gifted a share of £50,000 funding
A DUNFERMLINE-based charity has been awarded a share of a £50,000 community funding pot.
Tartan Talkers will receive £3,000 from GoFibre’s GoFurther Fund which will help with vital running costs for the charity which was set up by Jackie Walls after she lost her nephew, Scott Taylor, to suicide in March last year.
The charity extends a lifeline to vulnerable people suffering from isolation and desperation.
Since launching in September 2022, Tartan Talkers has provided support to over 300 people in Fife and the surrounding area, offering vital local information and support to those contemplating self-harm.
As a volunteer-led charity, the organisation currently relies on fundraising events and one-off donations to sustain operations. The £3,000 of funding will help cover operational costs, including rent and utilities, ensuring that the charity can continue its vital work.
Founder Jackie Walls said:
“Attracting funding is a particularly hard task in the current climate but thanks to GoFibre’s GoFurther Fund, we will be able to continue operating in St Margaret’s Church.
“This will, ultimately, support the community and help save lives.
“In just one year of operating, we have supported over 300 people with practical and emotional support, including facilitating a psychologist service. I would urge anyone struggling with isolation, depression, and desperation to reach out for support and we’re so grateful to be able to continue doing just that.”
Within this first round of funding, a total of five charities across East Lothian, Fife, and the Scottish Borders have received support from the GoFurther Fund.
Each eligible organisation has been chosen based on relevant criteria which included supporting the creation of work experience opportunities, developing skills and the local economy, promoting good health and wellbeing or actively tackling climate change and contributing to net zero targets in their local areas.
MORE than 50 bags of rubbish were collected as a group of volunteers braved the cold to help clean up Dunfermline city centre.
A total of 41 people took part in the event including representatives from local businesses, Police Scotland
Youth volunteers, Tower House Youth Hub and Fife councillors.
The clean-up area covered New Row, Queen Anne Street, St Margaret Street, Bridge Street, Wooers Alley and Buffies Brae.
Delighted with the support on the day, City of Dunfermline Area Convener, Councillor James Calder, said: “It was great to join so many members of the community for our big city clean-up.
“It is nice to see the real community spirit at play and
I want to thank everyone who took the time to help.
“It was also brilliant to see so many young people join us such as from the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers. This is really positive to see the next generation taking part in helping our city.”