Charities to share over £37,000 from Leeds Building Society Foundation

Charities in Scotland are among those sharing £37,730 in the latest round of funding from Leeds Building Society Foundation.

The Foundation, which works to support those who are disadvantaged, socially isolated or in vulnerable circumstances, is helping charities in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Airdrie, Fife and Auchindarroch.

Grants totalling £6,158 will:

• Buy props and equipment for Indepen-dance in Glasgow, to allow disabled people to participate in remote dance and movement sessions
• Provide two Merida Big Seven mountain bikes to the Preshal Trust in Glasgow, for its weekly cycling fitness programme
• Purchase digital equipment and mobile phones for Bright Lights Relationship Counselling in Edinburgh, so remote counselling sessions can continue
• Buy seven mini-portals for Firsthand Lothian in Edinburgh, to facilitate online games, art, craft and mindfulness sessions to support mental health
• Furnish a new therapy room for those who have experienced abuse for the Moira Anderson Foundation in Airdrie
• Provide laptops and iPods for Fife Young Carers to support young carers in keeping up with their education online
• Purchase electronic tablets for Developing Potential SCIO in Auchindarroch, to enable mental health support workshops to continue running remotely

In the latest funding round, a total of 42 charities across the UK have benefitted from donations totalling £37,730.

“We’re pleased to be able to assist these charities supporting people in need in communities in Scotland,” says Gary Hetherington, the chairman of Leeds Building Society Foundation.

“The pandemic has presented many extra challenges for charitable organisations of all sizes.

“Whether revamping technology to provide more online facilities or investing in PPE to offer help to maintain more in-person services in a COVID secure environment, these grants will greatly assist the vital services offered within these local communities.”

The Foundation is funded by the Society and its members via the Your Interest in Theirs scheme*.

It primarily provides grants towards practical items that directly support those in need including those with disabilities, affected by homelessness, or with serious health issues.

Applications for grants can be submitted throughout the year and are reviewed by the Foundation quarterly. To find out more, charities should visit the Leeds Building Society website.