Nine groups get harbour cash boost
Scottish International Storytelling Festival (October 14-31):
A number of local groups using the River Tay to support people’s health and wellbeing have been presented with awards from the Perth Harbour Community Fund.
Created by harbour operator David MacBrayne Limited (DML) the fund is making nine awards to non-profit organisations who use the River Tay to deliver positive outcomes and benefit the lives of the people they engage with.
Launched in 2021, the fund recognises groups tackling poverty, stigma and shame, promoting social inclusion and health and wellbeing, and organisations that help people become self-dependent and resilient.
The fund will enable Plus Perth and Kinross’ mentors with experience and skills of working with people who have been under the psychiatric system to deliver walking groups, engaging vulnerable people while ensuring the environmental upkeep of the river.
Perth Parrots Floorball
Club ‘HangOUT’ project is one to receive an award and will deliver activities engaging LGBTQ+ people.
The project will remove costs to participation, reduce social isolation and build confidence and connections.
Taymara will deliver River Tay trips to young people and their families affected by severe ill health or are living with a learning disability.
The fund will also support Mindspace’s Recovery College which offers a range of diverse groups and activities to enable people to develop their understanding and awareness of their unique mental health challenges and to find the means of best managing these.
Perth Sailing Club will purchase a winch which will provide sustainability to allow activities to occur, with members undergoing training, to ensure maximum service given to club members and the wider community.
The Perth Coastal Rowing Club will develop their participants’ skills through a series of training programmes which will in turn improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
The fund will support the growth of Perth Sea Cadets by enabling their capacity to increase the number of volunteers trained to support the young participants.
And outside Perth, the Upper Tay Paths Group will create information points along their river walkways encouraging people to learn about Aberfeldy while enjoying the benefits of the outdoors.
The Carse Canoe Club will be able to purchase more equipment to meet the increasing demand for the club’s services while their participants can enjoy the benefits of increased physical activity.
Head of ports and harbours for DML, Cameron MacPhail said: “The Perth Harbour Community Fund allows us to connect with our community in a unique and impactful manner.
“We are pleased to present nine awards to deserving groups, and we are excited to see the benefits from the projects supported this year.”