Article Source: Asda
Last Updated: 18 September 2024 16:34
The grants form part of a staggering £1.2 million in funding which has been awarded to 65 community projects across the UK. Ranging between £10,000 and £25,000, the grants will go towards the improvement of community spaces where local people can come together and thrive.
The initiative follows information from Asda’s latest community tracker, which revealed over 20% of customers were concerned about the lack of community spaces in their area*, with loneliness being ranked as one of the biggest challenges faced by communities by over 38% of people*.
Among the eight groups awarded in Scotland are Supporting Our Communities, based in Hamilton, receiving £15,000 to transform their community garden, St Leonard’s Episcopal Church in Straiton, receiving £20,000 to overhaul an unused church building into a community hub, and Irvine-based Stuartfield Village Hall SCIO, receiving £25,000 to carry out urgent repairs in the hall’s roof and windows.
The £15,000 awarded to Supporting Our Community will enable the group to transform a disused area of waste ground into a community garden, open and accessible for all age groups and abilities. Individuals, groups, schools and nurseries in the local area will all be able to access and use the garden for recreational, social and educational purposes.
Mark Rouse, Project Coordinator, Supporting Our Community said: “We are delighted to receive this grant from the Asda Foundation. The funds will help transform this once unloved area into a thriving community space. This project is led by local people, and they have decided what they want and need from the garden, so we are thrilled to be able to support them in this exciting project.
“The area we’re developing was a piece of waste ground and a bit of an eyesore. The group will be using the Asda Foundation funding to construct permanent pathways so that the garden will be accessible to all, as well as a communal seating area and a sensory garden.”
Gillian Summers, Community Champion, Asda Hamilton said: “Supporting Our Community is a tremendous resource to the Hamilton community, especially those who are isolated or lonely. The best thing about the group is that they offer an open-door policy, everyone is welcome to join, and the group offers a safe and warm environment.
“I’ve been lucky enough to work with the group and help them apply for the funding and I’m so delighted they’ve been awarded the Asda Foundation grant. The garden will offer a vital outside area for everyone to enjoy.”
Karl Doyle, Chair of the Asda Foundation, said: “We know that safe and inclusive spaces can be a lifeline to many in our local communities, they offer a way for people to be together and are the home for many vital services and activities. Our Community Tracker tells us that many community groups are struggling to find the funding to maintain, develop and repair these spaces and that’s where we have come in to help. Through our Investing in Spaces and Places grants, and the wider Asda Foundation programme, we want to continue playing our part in uniting communities and reducing loneliness by improving community spaces and bringing people together.”
The world’s leading folk, roots and world music festival Celtic Connections has unveiled its ambitious, multi-faceted programme for 2025.
READ MORECountry's largest wedding showcase is back and giving Scots the chance to snap up free tickets.
READ MORELoch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted with loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs and loch tours and much more!
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is unveiling a magical line up of festive experiences for all the family to enjoy this Christmas, including the much-loved Grotto which is back with a brand-new look.
READ MOREThis weekend, Sterling Home is celebrating 50 years as Scotland’s leading family-owned home furnishing retailer with a series of exciting in-store promotions across all stores.
READ MORESome of the latest horror blockbusters, as well as creepy classics and enchanting family favourites, will be heading to the big screen at Vue this Halloween season!
READ MOREBereaved parents and families across Scotland remember together all those lives lost too soon.
READ MOREOver 30,000 runners will participate in the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run this weekend, making it the biggest staging of the event yet!
READ MOREComedian Craig Hill takes his latest hit show, I've Been Sitting On This For A While!, out on tour across Scotland later this month!
READ MOREAfter a string of sold-out events across the US, Amazing Silent Discos is bringing its unforgettable retro silent disco to the iconic Old Fruitmarket for one night only on Saturday 2 November!
READ MOREIf you're looking for exciting ways to keep the kids entertained this half-term, look no further than Northern Ireland!
READ MOREExhibition on Screen brings the National Gallery's stunning Van Gogh exhibition to the big screen, along with a deep dive into his fascinating life and incredible skill.
READ MOREHistorical re-enactors will be heading to Historic Scotland sites across the country this October for this year's Great Big Living History Week!
READ MOREThe Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) has today revealed the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2024’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award
READ MOREPeople affected by pregnancy and baby loss will be joining together to take part in a range of activities to remember and talk about their babies this Baby Loss Awareness Week.
READ MOREThe Alfred Dunhill Links Championship will be taking place from the 3rd to 6th October, played over the historic Old Course at Rusacks St Andrews.
READ MOREEvent that welcomed huge crowds at Dean Castle, will add a sprinkle of stardust with magical festive fun held at both the original venue and a new location at Beecraigs Country Park.
READ MORELeading Scottish camping and outdoor specialist brand, Vango, has announced it is working with VisitScotland to promote responsible tourism across the country.
READ MOREEx Scotland rugby internationals Tim Visser and Kath Vass joined 800 Men and Women for Vets Fest 2024 to Celebrate Vets Rugby and Raise Funds for Wooden Spoon.
READ MOREFuture Woodlands Scotland and bp are on a mission to add more trees and green spaces to Scotland’s cities and towns.
READ MOREThe Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, today invites music fans to ‘Have their SAY’ and vote for their favourite Scottish album, plus announces Karen Dunbar and more as judges.
READ MOREFor a limited time, Cineworld presents a seismic lineup of blockbuster favourites, new and old, in immersive 4DX – all for just £5 a ticket or £3 for Unlimited members.
READ MORECaptain Fantastic, the UK's leading children's party company, is supporting Dyslexia Awareness Week in Scotland with two fun interactive online parties.
READ MOREThe National Trust for Scotland is celebrating autumn harvest by inviting people to its annual Apple events across the country.
READ MOREMake waves this Christmas with Lost Shore’s Festive Dining Experience, an indoor winter wonderland with fire pit drinks, sharing menu, festive cocktail offering and option for surf lessons.
READ MOREWith Scottish legends Lulu and Travis, Dundee's own Kyle Falconer and rising Scots star Calum Bowie among the first winners to be announced.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is welcoming kids across the country to its Little Scare-lings Howl-o-ween party this October for a frightfully fun time!
READ MORESeachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled dates for its fourth edition under the theme Ceanglaichean gun Chrìch, which signifies Building Connections in English.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is embracing the autumn season with a series of free-to-attend events throughout October, including Grow How, Little Seedlings Club and Little Seedlings Holiday Club.
READ MOREAsda's charity, The Asda Foundation, has awarded £150,000 to eight community groups across Scotland through its Investing in Spaces and Places grants.
READ MORE