Three charities in the East of Scotland secure share of £25,000

Three good causes across the East of Scotland have secured a share of a £25,000 funding pot, thanks to Scotmid’s Community Connect initiative.

The funds were allocated to The Rosebery Centre, Leuchie House and Play Therapy Base following a vote by Scotmid Members.

The Rosebery Centre, based in Polbeth, West Lothian, has been awarded £15,000. The charity supports older people living with dementia in the community. This funding will be used to provide nutritious healthy lunches and snacks, offering members valuable time to socialise and helping to combat the isolation they face due to their condition.

Leuchie House, based in East Lothian, has been awarded £5,000. The charity provides people living with neurological conditions and their families with access to short respite breaks. The funding will go towards the tailored activities & entertainment provided with every break helping to improve health, enables independence and reduces loneliness.

The final good cause group in the East of Scotland to have been awarded £5,000 funding is Play Therapy Base.  The Dalkeith based charity works with children aged 3-14 who are experiencing emotional distress.

Services include weekly 1-1 play & art sessions with experienced therapists, either in the community or within one of the dedicated playrooms. Funding will contribute to the running and resourcing of these playrooms which are used by around 60 children each week.

Anne Marson, Centre Manager at The Rosebery Centre, said: “We are overwhelmed with this generous donation from Scotmid.

“The support will enable us to continue providing healthy meals to members while they socialise together, significantly improving the quality of life for dementia patients.”

Claire Williams, Head of Fundraising at Leuchie House, said: “We are so grateful for this incredible contribution from Scotmid.

“This support will enable Leuchie to reimagine respite as a service that delivers more, beyond the break, to improve the health of our guests, enable their independence and reduce the loneliness experienced by many as a result of their condition.”

Linda Cuthbert, Service Manager at Play Therapy Base, said: “Thanks to Scotmid’s generous funding, we can keep providing life-changing play and art therapy sessions to children who need it most.

“This £5,000 will go directly toward maintaining our playrooms, where dozens of young people find comfort, support, and emotional healing every week.”

Keen to support local good causes? Pop into your local Scotmid and pay £1 to become a member.