£118k windfall for charity

A Lanarkshire charity is set to receive a £118,000 cash boost.

The Wise Group is among 15 beneficiaries to share a pot of £2.1million from the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme for their ‘energy shredders’project.

And the project will use the funds to work with attendees from Men’s Sheds in North and South Lanarkshire, giving energy advice to people, helping to empower them to educate the wider community.

The Men’s Shed concept was first launched in Australia in the 1990s after it was recognised that there was little opportunity for men, especially older males, to forge new friendships.

The shed was recognised as a domain where the typical Aussie man would carry out tasks and hobbies, like restoring furniture, painting or fixing garden machinery.

From there, groups were established and the shed would be the hub where men would meet, socialise and exchange knowledge and skills.

Since then, Men’s Sheds have taken root with projects forming the world-over.

The Hamilton shed is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 2pm at Hamilton Accies’stadium.

Energy Saving Trust has awarded more than £2.1million to 15 charities across the UK as part of the redress scheme, which redistributes voluntary payments from UK energy companies.

Mike Thornton, group director of operations at Energy Saving Trust said:“this significant pot of money is being invested in projects and charities that really make a difference in local communities.

“Most of the projects will run for the next two years and will result in thousands of households saving energy, money and living in warmer, more efficient homes.”