Community Chest - small pots of money

In the first year of Our Place over £8k went to local people and groups who wanted to make something happen in their community.  This included paying for cups of tea and sandwhiches,  equipment such as laptops, disco lights and bouncy castles.  17 of the successful applications came from Lochside, 11 from Lincluden and 7 covered both areas. 

Applicants have informed us that they felt pleasantly surprised about the ease of the process for accessing the Community Chest funding. Below is some specific feedback provided about projects funded by the Community Chest.

The first application that the Community Connectors made was for a trip to the Dark Sky Observatory in Galloway.

 Did the Activity Go as Planned?
’Attendees ranged in age from 8 years to 84 years! The group attending now know where to locate the North Star (Polaris ) in our area at this time of year!’

After a robbery at the Nithsdale Furniture Project we were able to provide the social enterprise with a new laptop for the volunteers.

 What are the next steps?
’To continue to empower our trainees and volunteers; to encourage use of our facilities by all residents of Lochside and Lincluden.’

One of the Community Connectors organised a Field Trip for local young people and children from Lochside to the Allanton Peace Sanctuary. The group were involved in pond dips, woodlands walks, treasure hunts, den building, rounder’s and storytelling.

‘The day from beginning to end was well planned, thoroughly enjoyed by all and was a complete and utter success. A big thank you has to go to all participating adults for being so supportive to the kids and myself, a big thanks to all those kids for being so polite, respectful and enthusiastic.’

One of the Community Connectors organised a tea dance targeted at older residents in both Lochside and Lincluden.

Have you learned anything new?
‘Yes – how to plan, arrange publicity, catering, source and engage a band and liaise with the other volunteers to help with the arrangements and on the day of the dance.’
We were able to fund the Sewing Sews, an existing voluntary organisation to develop their organisation through buying specialist quilting equipment to expand the classes that they offer.

We were able to fund the Sewing Sews, an existing voluntary organisation to develop their organisation through buying specialist quilting equipment to expand the classes that they offer.

Did you involve anyone that is isolated and left out?
‘Our classes are fully inclusive and open to all. In the past we have found our classes appeal to people who are feeling isolated and low in confidence / self esteem. We are proud to say that most of our learners want to do more with us and lots go on to try other things such as art and computers.’

An Easter Fun Day took part at the North West Resource Centre in Lincluden which then led to an application to Awards for All which was successful to host similar events throughout the year.

‘The afternoon proved to be success, made possible by partnership working with D&G Council, Our Place, Building Healthy Communities and a local residents group with over 400 people turning out to enjoy themselves. Feedback from the day was really positive, with one resident saying ‘we need more days like these; these sort of days bring communities together.’

In Year Two (2015 - 2016) Community Chest funding is available if you have an idea then please download the one page form here: Community Chest Form