Lotto support is boost for vital local services
Carers Forum Stirling just one group getting cash
Community groups in Stirling and Clackmannanshire will be able to provide vital services and support for thousands of local people thanks to National Lottery funding.
The latest round of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund is shared amongst 324 projects across Scotland, sharing in £10,909,040 - with several local organisations among those to benefit.
Thanks to an award of £200,000, Carers Forum Stirling Area will be able to deliver a series of monthly respite activities for carers and the people they care for across rural areas of Stirling. These sessions will host social activities in a warm space and provide both a hot meal and access to advice and support, helping to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and enabling rural carers to be more connected with their community.
Eileen Trivers, 73, a service user, said: “Two and a half years ago I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. It’s a progressive condition that effects the lungs and I am currently on oxygen full-time. My life changed tremendously at this point.
“My partner Charles became my carer and I found this very difficult – I’m younger than him and always thought that it would be the other way around.
“I got put in touch with Stirling Carers and they have been so lovely and helpful from day one. We are relatively new to the city but Stirling Carers have opened up a world of friendship for us.
“I’m now involved in lots of groups and classes we really feel part of the community. They also provide us with lots of support and have given us advice on how to make our lives easier. I feel that I’ve got a reason to keep going – I couldn’t be without them.”
Colleen Mcgregor, CEO, said: “Carers often sacrifice their own well-being to fulfil their caring role, and many suffer from anxiety, loneliness, exhaustion, and financial hardship. They have been particularly hard hit by the current economic crisis, which is making already difficult situations far worse.
“Feedback from our pilot of this project has been extremely encouraging. Carers have reported feeling less stressed, more included in their community and better able to cope in their caring role.”
An award of £10,000 to Reanimate will enable the group to meet cost-of-living increases impacting their equine therapy service for children with additional needs. It is also receiving an additional £10,000 to employ an administrator.
The project, based in Bridge of Allan, works closely with young people from the local community, providing them with practical life skills and an outlet to improve their mental health.
Operator Sharon Taylor said: “Our service provides a space for young people who find mainstream services too challenging. When our young people are struggling for whatever reason, it can be hard for them to ‘fit in’ which can then result in added issues for them to face.
“At Reanimate, our animals all have their own stories that the young people can relate to, this helps the young people to engage and feel accepted. Without funding we wouldn’t be able to continue this much needed service to help our young people move forward onto a more fulfilling life.’’
Stirling Carers have opened up a world of friendship for us
Eileen Trivers