A new playpark in Fife and a support group for parents whose have been children diagnosed with epilepsy are just two projects amongst the latest 20 groups across Scotland sharing over £164,722 recently (THURSDAY 21 JANUARY) from the Communities and Families Fund.

The seaside resort of Burntisland, Fife can now add an accessible playpark for children with additional support needs to its many famous attractions thanks to the recent award of £10,000 to Royal Burgh of Burntisland Community Council (RBBCC). The group, made up of local parents will buy a range of specialist equipment for the main playpark in the centre of town so it’s accessible for all.
 
Claire Campbell, RBBCC Playpark Champion has led the group’s plans for the new play equipment after she couldn’t find a suitable park for her daughter, who has severe learning difficulties, to play in.

Claire said, “There is a distinct lack of inclusive play facilities everywhere. It’s so sad to see children with disabilities having to sit at the side and watch their friends play and have fun whilst they are unable to join in. Being able to secure this grant is a fantastic achievement and will go a long way to achieving our goal of having a play park which is truly inclusive for all.  This will make a massive difference and put smiles on the faces of so many children.  This is all about equality and inclusion and without this money we would find it extremely difficult to be able to succeed with this very important project for our town.”

An epilepsy diagnosis is a worrying and stressful time for families Now thanks to an award of £9,877, Lanarkshire Epilepsy Support Group can set up a peer support group for local families helping them through the range of challenges stemming from diagnosis through to implications at school. Parents will be put in touch with families who have already gone through similar situations so they can gain support through their own journey.

Phil Robinson, Chairperson, Lanarkshire Epilepsy Support Group, said, “We are delighted and encouraged to receive this support from the Communities and Families Fund.  The incidence of epilepsy amongst children is at least one in 200, although some authorities point to a higher incidence.  Families whose children are diagnosed with epilepsy may need social support at various stages and this grant will enable us to continue to provide this support across the NHS Lanarkshire area. “

On Bute parents struggling to make ends meet will now have access to a range of support helping them manage finances more effectively thanks to the recent award of £10,000 to Bute Advice Centre. The funding will also support local families on trips to the mainland, with some children leaving the island for the first time in their short lives.

Julie Semple, Manager, Bute Advice Centre, said, “We are delighted that our newest venture is being supported by the Communities and Families Fund. We can now offer a weekly coffee morning to all parents where, in a supportive, upbeat environment, discussions can take place regarding a wide variety of topics from cooking to budgeting and making learning fun through play.  One to one appointments will be offered and specialist money advice sessions will be run for those parents who need it.

“We will also be able to organise trips to the mainland to promote closer family relationships and self confidence and esteem in parents. Children will benefit from these positive changes and from having positive role models in their lives.  We really want to say thank you for all the support.”

Aileen Campbell MSP, Minister for Children and Young People said: “This joint venture between the Scottish Government and the Big Lottery Fund has been a resounding success, providing vital resources for groups working directly with children and families. It’s great to hear from the Royal Burgh of Burntisland Community Council, Bute Advice Centre and the Lanarkshire Epilepsy Support Group about the opportunities this fund is providing and how it contributes towards improving the life chances and outcomes for children. I’d encourage local groups to apply for funding before the end of February deadline.”

Maureen McGinn, Chair of the Big Lottery Fund Scotland Committee, said recently: “Today’s funding will assist a range of grassroots projects improve the quality of life of children under eight years old. Some projects will widen access to early learning and play, while others will provide parents with extra support at a time when it is most needed. These latest awards demonstrate that small amounts of funding can often make the biggest difference to children and families.”

The Communities and Families Fund has a budget of £4.5 million from The Scottish Government and £1.5 million from the Big Lottery Fund. Groups can apply for funding from £250 to £10,000. Find out more about the scheme and how to apply by visiting: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_communities_and_families_fund, or phoning 0300 123 7110.

See a full list of awards

The programme closes to applications on Monday 29 February 2016. 
For more information
Big Lottery Fund Press Office: Lorna McNiven / 0141 242 1451 /lorna.mcniven@biglotteryfund.org.uk
Twitter: @BIGSCOTLAND Facebook: facebook.com/BigLotteryFundScotland

Notes to Editors:

• The Big Lottery Fund supports the aspirations of people who want to make life better for their communities across the UK. We are responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised by the National Lottery for good causes and invest over £650 million a year in projects big and small in health, education, environment and charitable purposes.
• Since June 2004 we have awarded over £8 billion to projects that make a difference to people and communities in need, from early years intervention to commemorative travel funding for World War Two veterans.
• Since the National Lottery began in 1994, £34 billion has been raised and more than 450,000 grants awarded.