CalMac Community Fund - here to help you

In partnership with Foundation Scotland, the CalMac Community Fund is looking to support vital community services to restart or continue. Specifically, services and activities addressing or reducing social isolation, including encouraging re-engagement with community activity following the pandemic. And services and activities supporting better mental health and improved well-being.

Eligible organisations can apply for an award between £500 and £2,000 until September 30th.

Gordon McKillop, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for CalMac Ferries comments: "The CalMac Community Fund was created to make a difference to those most in need across our West Coast communities. It is also a fantastic way for us to connect with our communities.

"The last 18 months has placed a huge strain on people's lives and grass roots community groups have stepped up magnificently to help those affected. We would love to hear from these groups and would encourage those eligible to apply for an award."

Since its launch the CalMac Community Fund has supported 136 groups and last year supported 60 groups delivering projects tackling social isolation, mental health, loneliness and or poverty. Recent research has forecasted that for every pound spent by CalMac, communities across the network benefit from a social return of £5.14.

Western Isles

Last year, the Western Isles Community Care Forum received an award in support of their Carers Trainers Project. The project supports unpaid carers throughout the Western Isles by offering training and capacity building with the end goal to reduce social isolation among people within the community. Caraidean Uibhist were supported with an award to create digital tea parties geared at reducing loneliness among elderly people.

Ross-shire  

Last year, the Coigach Community Development Company received an award in support of their Friday Friendly at the Coigach pop up café project which aims to reduce social isolation among older members of their community.

Skye  

Last year, Counselling Care Skye and Lochalsh received an award to tackle mental health and purchase play therapy boxes for school pupils. Broadford Youth Club received an award in 2019.

Mallaig/Lochaber  

In 2019, Mallaig Parent Council and Mallaig Football Club received awards to benefit the lives of children and young people.

Oban Lorn & the Isles

Last year, Argyll Wellbeing Hub received an award last year to engage with men and women living with mental health issues by delivering engaging activities and excursions. In Mull, South West Mull and Iona Development received an award for the Ross of Mull Community Garden which exists to reduce social isolation within the community.

Kintyre

Last year, Kintyre Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service received an award in support of their Peer Educator Project tackling mental health.

Islay

Last year, the Islay Link Club received an award in support of their Creative Recovery project to tackle mental health and the Jura Care Centre Group received an award to tackle social isolation via their Jura Seniors Wellness project.

Arran

Last year, Brodick Early Years received an award to develop an outdoor space and improve the mental health of their young service users.

Bute/Dunoon  

Last year, Achievement Bute received an award for the Youth Extra project which tackles mental health among young people living in Bute and The Meeting Place in Dunoon received an award to tackle mental health in Cowal.

Inverclyde  

Last year, Morton in the Community received an award to develop their Friday Food and Football Youth Club to tackle mental health.

Link to picture here.

Cumbrae/Largs 

In 2019, Cumbrae Beecology received an award to engage children and young people of Cumbrae and educate them on the importance of bees and their importance to our environment.

Ardrossan 

Last year, the Whitlees Centre in Ardrossan received an award to tackle poverty through their food larder shop.

Who can apply?

• Registered charities

• Constituted voluntary and community organisations

• Community companies e.g. companies limited by guarantee, community benefit societies or Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisations'

• Community Interest Companies are eligible to apply if they meet the Fund's minimum governance standards.

Applications for the CalMac Community Fund will close on 30 September 2021. More information can be found at calmac.co.uk/community-fund.