Community / Local charities to benefit from trust funding
FULL details of the charities and projects which will benefit from Shetland Charitable Trust funding in 2023/24 have been released.
A total of £1.46 million will go towards 23 local projects through the main grant scheme.
Most of the support goes to help vulnerable children and adults, disabled people and the elderly, which is in line with the trust’s emphasis on reducing inequality and social isolation in Shetland.
It comes on top of the £7.24 million already pledged to the recreational and amenity trusts, Shetland Arts and community care.
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The local Citizens Advice Bureau has secured nearly £280,000, while social enterprise COPE Ltd has been given £236,400.
The next largest grant award is £102,500 for Shetland Women’s Aid to enhance the range of support it provides for women, children and young people.
Nearly £100,000 has been awarded to Voluntary Action Shetland (VAS) for the operation of its Market House base, while the charity has also been given £90,800 for its core work in supporting the voluntary sector.
The Royal Voluntary Service has secured £65,700 for its community projects for elderly and disabled people, while Shetland Link Up has been given £57,500 for an informal meeting place to support people affected by mental health issues.
The Shetland Befriending Scheme has been given just over £55,000 for a project for young people, while the Shetland Care Attendant Scheme has been awarded £53,000.
Sexual violence charity the Compass Centre has secured £46,800, while arts organisation Gaada got £45,000.
Ability Shetland has been given £40,000 to support its disability sports development coordinator post, the Moving On employment project received £36,800 and VAS’ Shetland Carers project is to benefit to the tune of £36,100.
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Who Cares? Scotland is to receive £34,500 for its work supporting people who have experienced the care system in Shetland.
The OPEN Project has been given £32,100 to maintain its peer education activity, while the Swan Trust has been awarded £29,000.
Alzheimer Scotland will receive £23,000, and Dogs Against Drugs will scoop £21,000 for its education programme.
CLAN Cancer Support will be given £20,300 to go towards a dedicated children and families service in Shetland.
VAS will receive £13,300 towards a befriending scheme for people aged over 16 who are having difficulty managing their own home.
The smallest award (£4,000) will go to the NSPCC for an educational schools programme.
The charitable trust said it aims to “benefit and improve the quality of life of all people living in Shetland and to preserve the trust reserves for future generations”.
The trust began in 1976 with a pot of £81 million from oil revenues and has since spent around £350 million on community services.
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