We would like to apply for funding to provide a Christmas Lunch and Party for residents, and fund a bus trip to a local shopping centre. We would also like to bring residents together for social events by providing some live entertainment afternoons. 

Christmas Lunch and Party £500

Bus Trip to Shopping Centre £340

Entertainer Fees £160

We would spend the funding on the lunch. We expect 100 guests and the venue requires £22 per head so the £1000 would soon be swallowed up.In addition we also have to pay for invitations, postage, gifts ect which we hold funds for from our raffle at last years Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch.

We are a constituted voluntary body that has been providing outings and Christmas lunches for 50 years promoting local life and community wellbeing.

Project Overview:

We are seeking funding to purchase belay devices for the Mountain Rescue Team, an essential piece of technical rescue equipment used to safely control ropes during rescue operations. Belay devices are critical in helping manage abseiling and climbing activities, enabling rescuers to assist individuals in hazardous terrain with minimal physical effort. These devices provide friction on the rope, ensuring controlled descents and the ability to arrest falls, making rescues safer and more efficient.

Objective:

Our objective is to improve the safety and efficiency of the Mountain Rescue Team's operations by equipping our volunteers with advanced belay devices. This will enhance our ability to perform rescues in challenging environments and ensure that our team can assist climbers, hikers, and those in distress, regardless of the complexity of the terrain.

Alignment with Funding Criteria:

1. Health and Wellbeing:

   The Mountain Rescue Team plays a crucial role in ensuring the physical safety and wellbeing of individuals engaged in outdoor activities. Our work directly impacts the health of both those we rescue and our volunteers. Belay devices enable safer rescues, reducing the risk of injury or harm to both the victim and the rescuer. In addition, by providing a safer framework for rescue operations, these devices help reduce the physical strain and stress experienced by volunteers, contributing to their long-term mental and physical wellbeing. By supporting the wellbeing of those involved in mountain activities, we also promote a healthier community that is more active and connected to nature.

2. Building Community Spirit:

   The Mountain Rescue Team is comprised entirely of volunteers who are dedicated to serving their local communities. By providing us with essential rescue equipment, this grant would enable us to respond more effectively to emergency situations, fostering community cohesion and trust. The presence of a well-equipped, highly trained rescue team helps build a sense of safety and support within the community. Moreover, as our team is involved in public awareness events and training sessions, having belay devices would allow us to engage more people in safety skills and promote volunteerism, helping to build resilience and connections within the community.

3. Green Projects:

   Mountain Rescue work is inherently tied to the natural environment. By ensuring our team is equipped with appropriate belay devices, we can more safely conduct rescues in fragile and remote areas, minimizing our impact on the environment. Our team also promotes outdoor activities such as climbing and hiking in a safe and sustainable way, encouraging a connection with the natural environment. Supporting our team with updated equipment would help raise awareness about the importance of respecting and preserving the natural world during outdoor pursuits.

Budget Request:

We are requesting a grant to cover the purchase of belay devices for our team. These devices are crucial for our technical rescue operations, and the funding will allow us to acquire high-quality, durable equipment. The total estimated cost for the necessary belay devices is £700, which will enable us to outfit our rescue volunteers with the tools they need for safe and effective operations.

Conclusion:

The Mountain Rescue Team provides a vital service to the community, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of those engaged in outdoor activities. By supporting this application, you will help improve the safety of both our volunteers and the individuals we rescue, while also promoting community cohesion and environmental stewardship. We are confident that this project aligns with the key criteria of health and wellbeing, community building, and environmental awareness, and we appreciate your consideration for this grant.

The main aim of Art in Mind is to reduce social isolation, providing a safe and relaxed environment where people can socialise, while being creative. Over the years, this has increased the confidence of individuals attending, and enhanced their feelings of well-being. There is no time limit, so some people have been coming for the twenty years, others come and go, but they all know that the door is open for them to return.

There is a relaxed, friendly and sometimes really industrious atmosphere, not to mention frequent doses of laughter! Time can be spent in group activity and doing your own ‘thing’, with plenty of help, support and advice – often achieving great results.

Some of the comments about the group have been;

‘I enjoy having a purpose and doing homework for the group. It reminds me of going to school, which I loved. I feel better on Saturdays and Sundays when I’ve been to Aim on a Friday’

‘Being able to be myself, friendship, acceptance, understanding, feeling for the first time in my life that I belonged somewhere’.

‘Meeting up with like-minded people, and doing art in a relaxed atmosphere’

  The second group started in December 2023, and both groups continue to meet every week, enjoying a wide range of creative pursuits under the guidance of a tutor. One group meets in the Ranger Centre, within National Trust's Brodick Castle Grounds. The other uses  part of Brodick village Hall. Transport from the ACVS Transport scheme, assists some members to attand, as well as some Art in Mind  Volunteer drivers. Both groups are supported by volunteers who take part in the art activities and help the tutor with materials and setting up the venue etc. The grant from Arran Community Council's Scottish Power Renewables Fund, has made this possible, but in reality has not been sufficient . There is a second year of funding due in October 2024, and Arran Visual Arts intend to advise them of the shortfall. However, the time allowed for the Coordinator of 3 hours per week, has not been enough, and the Art Materials requested by the different Tutors, and cost of ACVS transport,  has cost more than originally anticipated.

Arran Council for Voluntary Services Transport costs approx £30 per month  = £360

Art Materials    Clay  £40, Paper  £80,  Paints £40   =  £160

Additional Coordinator Hours  2 hours @ £20 per hour, per month = £480

Total  £1,000

Our project for the School is to promote outdoor relaxation and wellness within the community. We currently have tables and benches for the senior end.

This space gives the children somewhere to sit and relax. This has also proved beneficial in allowing the seniors within our community to share any worries or concerns they may have. As there is always an adult within the vicinity this be can reacted to appropriately to ensure they get proper support.

We now want to Mirror this in the infant area to give every child the chance to have a safe relaxing space to promote wellness across our community.  We are also looking to add umbrellas to the senior end tables and benches. In addition adding umbrellas to the new infant end benches; this would help keep the children safer on the warmer days. 

Some of the positive feedback from the children from the infant and senior end.

• Colourful

• Restful 

• Fun

• Great for chatting in privacy away from class

• Durable

• Chill out area

• Comfortable

• Nice to read books

Junior 3 seated bench -£ 299.99

Grounds Fixtures - £ 17.45

Fitted by NAC - £ 300.00

Umbrellas  & Stand X6 -£371.88

Total - £989.32

The Dementia project provides one to one befriending for people living with dementia, offering companionship at home or support to acces their community. It also gives vital respite to unpaid carers.  Additionally, the dementia wellbeing cafes offer a welcoming space for those with dementia and their loved ones to enjoy soical activities, entertainment and connection over a game of pool, a cuppa and a chat. 

We appreciate the volunteers giving up their time to provide support, however we would like them better equipped for their role.  The money would be used to provide volunteers with first aid kits in their cars, for when they are taking people out.  It would also pay for lanyards and name badges for the volunteers to wear when they are volunteering. 

£250 - First aid kits

£500 name bages and lanyards