Scottish families get creative in latest £75k funding boost

1 Sep 2015 10:34 AM

Children will bring stories to life in North Lanarkshire and families will come together to take part in creative workshops in East Ayrshire, thanks to the latest projects being funded today (TUE 1 SEPT) by the Communities and Families Fund. 

Across the country nine community led projects are sharing in £76,330 from the small grants scheme which is supported by the Scottish Government and Big Lottery Fund and aims to improve the lives of children eight years and under.

Based in Cumbernauld, Shakespeare’s Kid’s receive £7,580 to buy kit and equipment to deliver drama classes to 100 children between four and seven years old. Children will be introduced to a range of books and will use their imagination to create and showcase their own interpretations in short theatrical displays. Parents will be able to watch their child’s progress on YouTube.

Sharon McNally, Director and Coach, Shakespeare’s Kids & Little Shakespeare’s, said: “The children of Little Shakespeare's would like to say a massive thank you to the Communities & Families Fund for this award. Using the projector, new iPads, books & costumes provided by the funding, we will now be able to set up our own mini cinema where all our children can exhibit the short films they create literally 'Bringing Literature to Life' . We look forward to sharing with you our retelling of classic children's stories through our Little Shakespeare's Youtube channel where all young children can enjoy watching their favourite books brought to life by our children.”

Meanwhile Kilmaurs Community Association receives an award of £9,991 to enable the group to purchase a laptop and software to engage the community through social media and promote the range of workshops open to families in East Ayrshire. Families will be able to take part in cooking classes, arts and craft workshops and family games.

Faye Carroll, Secretary, Kilmaurs Community Association, said: “We are thoroughly delighted with our grant and look forward to getting on with our family workshops which will have lasting effects on our wider community.” 

Aileen Campbell MSP, Minister for Children and Young People said: “Our joint venture with the Big Lottery Fund has been a resounding success by providing resources for groups working directly with children and families.  It is great to hear from Shakespeare’s Kid’s and Kilmaurs Community Association about the opportunities this fund is providing and the positive impact it will have on families in their communities.  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: “I’m delighted to announce the latest awards from the Communities and Families Fund. Shakespeare’s Kids is a wonderful example of how children are encouraged to learn about literature and use their imagination to showcase their newfound skills. Projects like this give children the best start in life, which is one of the key aims of this programme.”

Visit our website 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 1237110.

Big Lottery Fund Press Office:
Contact:          Adele Goodfellow
Telephone:       0141 242 1508
Website:          www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
Twitter:           @BIGScotland #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.