Moniaive Initiative are pleased to announce that we have been granted £54,366 by the National Lottery Community Led Fund, in support of our three year “Connecting Glencairn” project.  The funds will be used to cover staff costs to enable us to provide a range of activities to tackle social isolation and economic disadvantage and to improve community health and wellbeing. 

From left: Julian (Hive Volunteer & Retail Coordinator), Innes (Trustee), Shirley, Heather, Jacqui (Volunteers), Deborah (Project Coordinator), Karen (Trustee), Anne and Maxine (Volunteers).

Much of Moniaive Initiative’s work is carried out through our community Shop and hub.  This grant will enable Julian, our Volunteer & Retail Coordinator to work three days a week supporting our volunteers at the Hive.  His position is also part-funded by income from the charity shop.

Katie, our Health & Wellbeing Officer, already runs a successful monthly Repair Café, alongside Arty Crafty @ The Hive, Digital Buddies, and a popular table tennis club, all currently funded by Dumfries & Galloway Third Sector Community Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund.  The National Lottery grant will enable her to expand her recent work on our newly created Community Garden, which aims to encourage and facilitate local food growing and healthy eating.  Katie says: “Everyone is really excited about our new garden, and how it is transforming the old Picnic Area into a great space in which to meet, grow food and enjoy being outside.”

Deborah, our Project Coordinator, supports The Hive and Health & Wellbeing elements of our project and will also be working on sustainable transport and community land access.  Her post is also part-funded this year by the Glencairn Community Council Windfarm Fund.

Moniaive Initiative’s Vice Chair, Kate Craig, says of the grant award: “By granting us multi-year funding, the National Lottery provides us with the security to continue working for another three years on projects identified by our community as important to them. We will use this money to progress projects that help to connect the residents of Glencairn.”