£17 million of National Lottery funding propels Scottish sustainability projects
Community groups across Scotland are sharing a bumper £17 million package of National Lottery grants announced today (WEDNESDAY 17th July).
Over 500 community projects will benefit from the cash from The National Lottery Community Fund, totalling £17,341,549 (a full list of projects is attached [PDF; 0.5MB]). Not only are these projects bringing their communities together many are also spear-heading initiatives to help local people live more sustainably.
Sustaining Dunbar receives £86,970 to run their environmental project ‘Fixing for a Future’. The group, who campaign against fast fashion, run clothing repair cafes and textile workshops across East Lothian. They also have a bike repair café as well as a tool library in East Linton, where people can borrow tools to help them mend things in order to reduce waste.
50-year-old Dan Waters from Dunbar, who volunteers as a bike repairer at the Repair Café, recently took part in a series of sewing workshops run by the group along with his 17-year-old daughter Anna.
Dan said "It was really nice being able to do the class with Anna. It’s given me lots of new skills not to mention a new love for the colour pink! It’s been very good for solving practical problems, for instance I made furniture coverings and a bag to go on my bike frame.
“This project has been a great addition to the community as being able to share skills and knowledge really brings people together. I now have new friends to go to for help or advice on something I want to make or fix, for instance, I went along to the Repair Cafe recently and had my cycling jacket fixed as it was beyond my sewing skills. In return I fixed a few bikes and shared my own skills and knowledge.”
His daughter Anna Waters also gave enthusiastic praise for the workshops. "I've learned that if you want to make something, you can! Among other things, I made a toy rabbit. There's been lots of very good help and a great range of scrap fabric materials.
“I've learned how to use a sewing machine and got lots of tips to make hand sewing easier! I’m really excited to learn more and take part in what Fixing for a Future has planned next, especially learning how to turn some of my old, worn out clothes into something new and bright."
Commenting on - the new funding Rosie Harrison, Project Officer said: “We want to inspire locals to learn repair skills and make their own clothes. Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund, over the next three years we'll be working with schools and communities across East Lothian to develop a campaign involving pop up workshops, community sewing projects, textile repair classes and “Against Fast Fashion!” fashion shows.
“The project will give people the chance to learn practical skills while boosting mental health and well-being, saving money and helping to protect the environment!"
Another organisation helping Scots be sustainable is Remake Scotland in Crieff. They receive £150,000 to run their Repair Café, where local people can come along and learn how to repair textiles, bikes, electronics and woodwork. The group also run Climate Cafe events, providing space for the community to talk about environmental issues and develop creative and innovative ways to respond.
General Manager of Remake Scotland, Amulree Welch spoke about the huge difference the funding will make to the charity.
Amulree said: “This will enable us to continue to support volunteers from across our community enabling social connection for people experiencing disadvantage and disability. It will also help our community to meet sustainability aspirations by increasing opportunities for reuse, repair and share and ensuring that everyone in Strathearn and Strathallan has access to these services.”
Another green organisation Selkirk Regeneration have been saving people’s pockets as well as the planet by giving free and impartial energy advice. They receive £112,314 to increase community engagement with environmental and climate issues in and around Selkirk.
40-year-old Rowena Griffen, from Walkerburn was given a new, more sustainable heating system through support from the group. “I have hot water again which is so amazing, I nearly cried when I used the hot tap! As a single parent on benefits this would have been impossible without Sustainable Selkirk’s support.”
Project Coordinator of Sustainable Selkirk, Angela MacKellar said: “This funding will allow us to employ a Community Engagement Officer to organise a wider range of community-facing events on environmental issues and work in partnership with other local community groups.”
Announcing the latest round of grants, Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fund said: “This multi- million -pound investment of National Lottery funding will improve the lives of thousands of Scots whilst keeping vital community services open and supporting those who are facing tough choices and challenges in their daily lives.
“As The National Lottery prepares to mark its 30th birthday later this year, today’s investment is a timely reminder of the difference that National Lottery players continue to make to communities across the country.”
The National Lottery Community Fund distributes funding on behalf of National Lottery players who raise more than £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK.
To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk