GOFIBRE COMMUNITY FUND MARKS FIRST ANNIVERSARY WITH FUNDING BOOST TO ANGUS AND ABERDEENSHIRE CHARITIES
Three charities delivering crucial support to communities in Aberdeenshire and Angus have received funding towards important local projects from GoFibre, as the Scottish independent broadband provider marks one year since the launch of its GoFurther Fund.
The charities have received a slice of the £50,000 fund which was launched last summer to support vital projects and groups in their efforts to transform local lives within the regions where GoFibre continues to build its network.
With each of the recipients receiving £3,000, the GoFurther Fund provides grants to those who have met the relevant criteria, including supporting the creation of work experience opportunities, developing skills and the local economy, promoting good health and well-being or actively tackling climate change and contributing to the net zero targets in their local areas.
Selected from a large number of worthy applicants, the recipients are:
The Haven (Aberdeenshire) - £3,000
Kirrie Connections (Angus) - £3,000
North East Sensory Services (Angus) - £3,000
As the second successful cohort of funding recipients, these organisations and projects are prime examples of the difference the GoFurther Fund is continuing to make in the communities GoFibre serves.
In Aberdeenshire, The Haven offers a wide range of free activities to combat social isolation, address mental health issues and improve access to vital resources in Stonehaven. From new parent support groups to children's programmes, the initiatives are designed to foster a stronger, healthier community. With the funding from the GoFurther Fund, The Haven will create a part-time administrative support position to streamline logistics and ensure free events run smoothly.
Starkeeper Morton, CEO of The Haven, said: 'This funding is a game-changer, allowing us to continue to support those who need it most. Our unique mission focuses on prevention rather than crisis response, which often makes securing funding challenging. We are incredibly grateful to GoFibre for backing our efforts to enhance the lives of individuals in our local Stonehaven community.'
One Angus charity to receive funding in the second round of funding is Kirrie Connections. The dementia support hub located in Kirriemuir provides support and creative activities for people living with dementia and their unpaid carers. The funding is set to be instrumental for the charity’s 'Pathfinders Project,' which collaborates with local artists, practitioners and innovators to deliver enriching art and cultural experiences to those affected by dementia. This two-year initiative leverages innovative techniques to unlock and nurture the creativity and potential of its members.
Graham Galloway, Trustee at Kirrie Connections said: 'We are immensely grateful for the support from GoFibre. This funding will be valuable in expanding our Pathfinders Project and allow us to provide even more opportunity to people living with and impacted by this challenging condition through the power of art.”
Another charity benefitting from the GoFurther Fund is North East Sensory Services (NESS), an independent charity providing the first integrated sensory services across Angus. The funding boost will enhance peer support and social groups for over 6,250 individuals with sight or hearing loss in the region by fostering social and cultural activities and promoting positive peer interactions. Specifically, the funds will cover volunteer training and related expenses, enabling NESS to offer enriching activities that support and engage those with sensory impairments.
Neil Conaghan, Chief Executive Officer at GoFibre, said: “These three organisations are already making a difference across their communities, and their incredible efforts reinforce the idea that this kind of grassroots support can genuinely create a better future for the next generation. That’s why it is important for us to recognise and boost the incredible work of charities and organisations across Scotland.
“There has been a clear response from local communities that there is a continued need for the work of organisations like The Haven, Kirrie Connections and North East Sensory Services and we are incredibly proud to be able to support them in their mission to continue transforming local lives[CM1] .”
More information on the GoFurther Fund is available at gofibre.co.uk/gofurtherfund.
