Community-minded groups can apply for CalMac cash

Community groups and organisations that provide services that benefit the community are being invited to apply for CalMac’s Community Fund.

The Community Fund, supported by Foundation Scotland, is offering awards of up to £2,000 to organisations tackling social isolation, loneliness and/or poverty and poor mental health.

Applications are also welcome from non-profit organisations that encourage re-engagement with community activities following the pandemic.

Last year’s recipients included Brodick Early Years which received an award to develop an outdoor space and improve the mental health of their young pupils. Kintyre Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service also received funding for its Peer Educator Project tackling mental health as well as the Jura Care Centre Group which received financial assistance for its Jura Seniors Wellness project.

A wide range of projects and groups are able to apply. These can include youth or elderly outreach projects, befriending services, family support groups, key community clubs and important community events, counselling services, active or creative projects and groups that require support for community halls to re-open to enable groups to re-start activities, community gardens or orchards.

Gordon McKillop, corporate social responsibility manager for CalMac, said: ‘The CalMac Community Fund was created to make a difference to those most in need across our West Coast communities. It is also a fantastic way for us to connect with our communities.

‘The last 18 months has placed a huge strain on people’s lives and grass roots community groups have stepped up magnificently to help those affected. We would love to hear from these groups and would encourage those eligible to apply for an award.’

Last year the CalMac Community Fund supported 60 groups tackling social isolation, mental health, loneliness and/or poverty. Information on eligibility and how to apply, as well as information on previous awards, can be found on the website at calmac.co.uk/ community-fund.

Brodick Early Years is a previous beneficiary of the fund which allowed the nursery to establish an outdoor play area which the children use every day.