THE Scottish Government has announced a £3.8 million package of funding to boost volunteering projects across the country.
The Volunteering Support Grant means more people will have the chance to take part in voluntary work. The extra cash will be made available over the next four years to create new and better projects, with a focus on encouraging disadvantaged and disabled people into volunteering.
Communities Secretary Angela Constance, pictured, said: “Volunteering is one of the most wonderful things a person can do. When a person chooses to offer up their time and talents to help others, they are not only making a vital contribution to their community, but often find that they make friends, learn new skills and feel positive about the difference they're making.
“We want to make sure we are able to tap into everybody’s talents and support anybody who wants to volunteer to do so. Through offering this funding on a three-year rolling basis, we are providing further financial certainty to support volunteers.
“It feels very apt that we are announcing this funding following the weekend of the Great Get Together, which aims is to bring our communities together and celebrate all that unites us.”
The Great Get Together was a three-day celebration of murdered MP Jo Cox’s belief that “we have more in common than that which divides us”.
Keith Wimbles, chief executive of the Voluntary Action Fund, said: “The Voluntary Action Fund is delighted to manage the Volunteering Support Grant in 2017-18 on behalf of the Scottish Government. Volunteers are vital agents of change in society and this fund specifically supports people to volunteer who face many challenges in their lives. Grants provided enable volunteer coordinators to provide positive volunteering experiences, which use people’s strengths and build connections within communities.”
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