- Community Pledge funding supports local volunteers, improving green spaces, supporting wildlife and bringing people together
A volunteer group helping to tackle loneliness while transforming community spaces across Midlothian has received funding from leading housebuilder Cala Homes (East) to continue its work.
Newton Hutters, the local Men’s Shed based at Newton Church Centre, has been awarded more than £660 through Cala Homes (East)’s Community Pledge initiative, linked to its nearby Craighall Village development in Millerhill.
Established in 2021, in response to the social isolation experienced by many individuals following the pandemic, the group provides a welcoming space where people can make friends, learn new skills and support one another while undertaking practical projects that improve the local community.
Today, the group’s 16 members meet regularly to share skills and deliver projects that make a lasting difference locally, including growing fresh produce for Danderhall Community Pantry, creating accessible planters for residents at Angres Court, and building outdoor play and learning spaces for more than 20 children attending Danderhall Primary School’s after-school club.
The recent boost in funding from Cala has enabled the group to purchase essential gardening equipment and materials, including lightweight telescopic tools, soaker hoses and 100 native hedgerow plants, helping members continue projects that benefit both local people and wildlife.
Elaine Carrigan, Sales and Marketing Director at Cala Homes (East), said: “Newton Hutters is making a remarkable difference across the local community.
“Not only are members helping create greener, more welcoming spaces, but they’re also supporting local families, encouraging biodiversity and providing an invaluable place where people can come together, build friendships and combat loneliness.
“Through our Community Pledge, we’re proud to support initiatives that create lasting benefits for local communities, and we’re delighted this funding will help the group continue its fantastic work.”
Erika Pryde, Chair of the group, expressed her gratitude for the donation. She said: “Receiving this funding means we can continue projects that make a real difference to local people while also protecting and enhancing our environment.
“The lightweight tools make gardening much more accessible for many of our members, while the soaker hose has already helped us keep our vegetables thriving through the recent dry weather, allowing us to continue supplying fresh produce to the community pantry.
“Meanwhile the native hedgerow will provide food, shelter and wildlife corridors for years to come, creating lasting benefits for birds, pollinators and other local wildlife.
“Just as importantly, Newton Hutters is a place where people can come together, make friends and feel part of something. Many of our members have told us it has helped them overcome loneliness and given them a renewed sense of purpose. We hope this funding will allow us to continue making a positive difference, both for our members and for the wider community.”
Cala’s Community Pledge goes beyond planning expectations, supporting local community groups and organisations throughout the lifecycle of local developments, and in collaboration with the community to ensure local needs are addressed.
To learn more about Cala’s Craighall Village development in Millerhill or its Community Pledge, visit: Craighall Village | Cala Homes.
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