A woodland nature trail and horse therapy sessions for children are just two schemes to encourage children into the countryside which are amongst the latest 51 projects across Scotland sharing over £407,797 today (THURS 5 NOV) from the Communities and Families Fund.

The small grants scheme supported by the Scottish Government and Big Lottery Fund aims to improve the lives of children eight years and under.

In Stirling, the Strathfillan Community Development Trust will use their £3,123 award to increase access to the local green parks and woodlands.  This means children will be able to explore nature in their local area.  
Kelly Clapperton-Bates, Community Development Officer, Strathfillan Community Development Trust, said: “This award will allow us to open up our woodlands to the young people of our community, and encourage them to enjoy and learn about the beautiful and amazing landscape we live in. Helping our children to develop a love and respect for nature and the environment that will last a lifetime.”

Children, under eight, with a disability will be given the chance to take part in horse therapy sessions, thanks to an award of £4,746 to The Glasgow Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association.  A total of 123 children will engage with horses to increase their confidence, develop relationships with other children and take part in sport.

Lisa MacDonald, Fundraiser, Glasgow Riding for the Disabled, said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive this grant from the Communities and Families Fund. The funding will be used to meet the costs of running our weekly "Tinies class". This grant means that we are going to be able to offer more young disabled children the chance to benefit from equine therapy (physiotherapy on horseback) which is so effective for both physical and psychological conditions. Thank you from all the staff, volunteers, parents, riders and, of course, the ponies.”

In North Lanarkshire, the Lanarkshire Deaf Club will use their £10,000 to deliver communication and social skills training for deaf children.  The group will also arrange social and educational visits for children and families to enjoy.
 
Ian Galloway, Chairman, Lanarkshire Deaf Club, said: “I had a meeting with the deaf club to announce the award that we received.  The reaction was fantastic, the members looked stunned and their jaws dropped.  They were so excited about the funding.  I explained the plans that we have for the community and the families for the next year that the funding will enable us to do.  One of the things we will be doing is booking children's entertainment on a monthly basis for the families as well as other events and activities that have yet to be planned.  The whole deaf club are excited about the future.”

Aileen Campbell MSP, Minister for Children and Young People, said: “Since its launch in 2012, the Communities and Families Fund has funded a wide range of activities to support children and families across Scotland. This joint venture with the Big Lottery Fund has been a resounding success by providing resources for groups working directly with children and families in communities. Every project that receives this funding demonstrates the good work happening in our communities and the positive impact this is having on young people and their families. As the fund is in its last year I would like to encourage community groups to take this opportunity to apply for funding.” 

Maureen McGinn, Chair of the Big Lottery Fund Scotland Committee, said: “Today’s awards are wonderful examples of the variety of projects which we can fund through this small grants scheme. From children with a disability having the opportunity to interact with horses, to the creation of a woodland trail to allow children to explore what nature has to offer, it's clear that small amounts of funding can often make the biggest difference to children and families."

Click here for details on the other Communities and Families projects receiving funding today.

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.

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 0141 242 1508
Website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
Contact: Adele Goodfellow
Twitter: @adelebiglottery #biglottery
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BigLotteryFundScotland

Notes to Editors:

• The Big Lottery Fund is responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised by the National Lottery.
• The Fund is committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need and has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK. Since its inception in 2004 it has awarded close to £6bn.
• In the year ending 31 March 2013, 28% of total National Lottery revenue was awarded to projects. Since the National Lottery began in 1994, £31 billion has been raised and more than 400,000 grants awarded.