South Lanarkshire good causes have struck gold after sharing a £1.3 million jackpot from the National Lottery. Across the region, 31 groups are set to benefit from over £1.1 million in funding in the latest round of grants, coming just ahead of the lottery’s 30th anniversary celebration next month.
One of the recipients, Larkhall & District Volunteer Group, is among those receiving a boost. They have been awarded a three-year grant of £150,000 to support 450 local residents and involve 130 volunteers in their community work. Another beneficiary is the Cambuslang-based Leap Project, which will receive £200,000 towards its services for older people, including befriending, leisure activities, and handyperson services.
Other groups receiving funding include Larkhall Community Growers, The Church at The Cross, Community Links, Stonehouse Business Association, and various veterans’ and senior citizens’ groups across South Lanarkshire. The grants will support a wide range of projects, from community gardening and wellbeing initiatives to social meetings, outings, and cultural events.
In Rutherglen and Cambuslang, organisations like Healthy ‘n’ Happy and Rutherglen Community Carers are receiving funding to run programmes supporting their communities. Similarly, groups in Clydesdale and East Kilbride are set to benefit from the grants, with projects ranging from community events and repair activities to wellbeing initiatives and support for families affected by autism.
The awards also include funding for the Family Service Unit to support women affected by various challenges, as well as Reach Lanarkshire Autism to assist families of children with autism spectrum conditions. Care and Repair initiatives are also set to receive funding to enhance home safety and security measures.
Kate Still, the chair of the National Lottery community fund Scotland, commended the local groups for their community-building efforts, stating that the funding will help transform lives and support a more connected and fulfilling society. As communities continue to come together and receive support from lottery funding, the impact on people’s lives across Scotland continues to be significant and inspiring.
This latest round of grants showcases the power of community initiatives and the positive impact they can have on people’s lives. From supporting vulnerable individuals and families to fostering community connections and wellbeing, the National Lottery funding is playing a crucial role in building stronger, more resilient communities across South Lanarkshire.