Fifty-one groups boosted by share of nearly £3m of funding

Fifty-one county organisations will receive more than £1.5 million through the One Council Partnership Fund to support partnership working, with a focus on reducing inequalities amid the ongoing Covid-19 recovery.

The funding recognises the significant contribution that voluntary and community organisations make to East Lothian’s health and wellbeing.

An additional £1.38 million has been awarded to community councils and area partnerships throughout the county.

Councillor Colin McGinn, cabinet member for community wellbeing at East Lothian Council, was “delighted” to see the money being distributed to “so many worthwhile groups and organisations”.

Councillor Colin McGinn

He said: “Through the One Council Partnership Fund, we are able to support our community partners to deliver services and activities that benefit residents.

“I’m particularly pleased to see a focus on some of the biggest challenges facing our communities today – food and financial insecurity, inequality and social isolation.

“Our voluntary, third-sector and community partners make an incredible difference across East Lothian and use their skills, connections and commitment to improve the lives of the people they work with.

“Our One Council funding supports this work and aligns with our own priority activities to make sure we can have the biggest impact, particularly for those who are most vulnerable.”

Projects range from youth work provision through Recharge in Tranent and North Berwick Youth Project, to People Know How’s projects to improve digital inclusion.

READ MORE: £3million funding for community groups

Pennypit Special Needs Youth Club’s grant will support the 15–25-year-olds the club works with, while Team United, Lothian Disability Sport and Can Do all received funding for delivering inclusive sport and activities.

East Lothian Foodbank and East Lothian Roots and Fruits received awards for their work supporting people experiencing food insecurity; DadsWork for its community projects with fathers and male care givers; and Milan Senior Welfare Organisation for the support it offers to members of the Asian community living in the Lothians.

Funding awards have been made recognising the impacts of the pandemic and cost-of-living challenges on residents’ wellbeing and financial positions.

Council officers work in partnership with Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) to share potential funding options and offer training and support where required.

As in 2022/23, £132,000 has been awarded to community councils and the Association of East Lothian Community Councils.

The six area partnerships’ combined funding is £1.25 million, which is a mixture of direct finance and budgetary influence over council services, such as amenities or roads services, to reflect the locally agreed priorities.

Mr McGinn added: “Despite the financial pressures that the council faces, I am very pleased that we have been able to maintain the funding we provide to community councils and area partnerships to help them address local priorities and make a difference within their own communities.

“I’d like to thank all of the volunteers who give their time and experience to serve on these bodies.”