Double funding boost for Lochaber charity
Care Lochaber can continue to provide its transport service and events programme throughout this year thanks to funding from the Highland Third Sector Interface (HTSI) and the National People’s Lottery.
The charity had thought it would have to call a halt to the popular excursions when finances dwindled just before Christmas. News that it would receive £10,000 through the HTSI brought some festive cheer, however, and a further £3,856 boost from the National People’s Lottery at the end of February gave organisers even more cause to celebrate.
Last month a trip to the cinema cheered people disadvantaged by poverty, age, disability, ill health or rural isolation while an outing to the Moorings Hotel for lunch, tea and cake last week went down a treat with more than 40 people in attendance.
Allison Kane, charity manager/finance officer, said: ‘It is great to see our users getting out and getting back to a bit of normality.
‘We are still planning what to do next but are hoping to go to the garden centre at Kentallen, once the weather gets warmer, a boat trip down the loch and hopefully the pantomime at Christmas time.
‘We are also planning to hold an event in our new office space here at Waverley Buildings in the High Street (Old Job Centre) for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June in collaboration with The Montrose Centre.
‘These events are for anyone who feels they would like to start getting out and about after Covid. We think there are still a lot of people out there who would benefit from attending our events, helping them restore their mental health and re-engage with people in the community again.
‘They are all fully funded as are the cars to take them to and from the venues.’
The charity is also looking for more volunteers and anyone with their own transport. For more information visit the Care Lochaber website at www.carelochaber.org or the Care Lochaber Facebook page.