Boost for Community Health Projects: Charity Funding Vital

A substantial financial boost has strengthened a Scottish charity committed to assisting individuals impacted by addictions, mental health issues, and social isolation. Thanks to a £20,000 contribution from the Scottish Procurement Alliance’s (SPA) Community Benefit Fund (CBF), 1st Step has been able to expand its support network by hiring a new coordinator and a volunteer support worker for Linlithgow and Falkirk.

This funding has also allowed 1st Step to develop a food-sourcing strategy to meet the ongoing demand for its local food pantries. Maria Throp, the development manager at 1st Step, expressed her gratitude towards SPA for enabling the charity to enhance food security and social support in the local communities. She highlighted the importance of this investment in creating meaningful volunteer opportunities with life-changing outcomes, as many volunteers have regained a sense of purpose and community connection through their involvement.

Since its establishment in October 2018, 1st Step has played a crucial role in providing social and volunteer opportunities for individuals in recovery. The charity serves as a hub for socialization, skill development, and positive peer interactions, offering various engagement activities across multiple sites in Linlithgow and Falkirk.

In addition to operating two cafes that utilise produce from their community garden, 1st Step runs a bike workshop that generates revenue from bike sales and donates repaired bikes to support community mobility. The café in Falkirk also features a food pantry to provide essential items to those in need.

Lesley Anderson, the regional director of SPA, emphasised the significant impact of the Community Benefit Fund on Scottish communities. She highlighted the essential role that SPA plays in providing financial support to initiatives like 1st Step, which contribute to unlocking the potential of communities across Scotland.

As a not-for-profit organisation, SPA reinvests any surplus back into the community through various people-focused initiatives, including the Community Benefit Fund. The fund is available to 14 committee partners, including local authorities, housing associations, and cooperatives, who can apply for a portion of the £140,000 fund each year to support projects that enhance social inclusion, digital participation, employability, and other social benefits.

Through initiatives like the Community Benefit Fund, SPA continues to support organisations like 1st Step, which play a vital role in improving the lives of individuals and communities in Scotland. The charitable work of organisations like 1st Step serves as a beacon of hope and support for those in need.

The Charity Spotlight feature by the Scottish Housing News highlights the invaluable work of charities across Scotland every Friday. To showcase your local charity’s work, whether housing-related or not, submit your story and images to newsdesk@scottishnews.com.