After careful consideration from a selection panel, consisting of Cala staff from different areas of the business and Euan McGrory, Editor of the Edinburgh Evening News, the two groups, along with seven other successful recipients, have been awarded a share of £10,000.
From a music group for disabled children to a support group for fathers and male carers, a total of nine local projects and initiatives were selected to receive a share of the fund from 81 high-quality applications.
The two worthy causes below highlight just how much of an impact their work is having on communities within Edinburgh and how Cala’s donation will be put to good use.
Scotland Yard Adventure Centre (The Yard) - £1,000
The Yard is based in Edinburgh's New Town and runs adventure play services for disabled children, young people and their families, providing inclusive indoor and outdoor play experiences.
In 2018, The Yard supported over 1,100 families of disabled children and young people across three sites in Edinburgh, Dundee and Fife.
Gizem Fowler, Partnership Manager at The Yard, said: “The funds received will go towards our family sessions, which is the cornerstone of our service.
“The money will enable our play workers to create fun and inclusive activities every week such as science experiments, artwork, smoothie making, assault courses and rope bridge fun.
“Our family sessions run every Friday afternoon, all day Saturday and six days a week throughout the school holidays at our Edinburgh centre. At these sessions disabled children are free to explore the indoor and outdoor facilities and play together with their siblings and parents/carers.
“The Yard also provides a support base for the whole family as a place free from judgement. As a result of attending these sessions, disabled children, their siblings and parents/carers are able to build on their relationships with other families as well as staff at The Yard.”
Barnardo’s Edinburgh 16+ - £1,000
Barnardo’s Edinburgh 16+ has been working with vulnerable care leavers (aged 16-26) in Edinburgh for the past 28 years.
Each year, they support over 150 care leavers in Edinburgh, offering emotional and practical support from providing advice on finances, household management and benefits entitlements, to training and employment opportunities.
Sabrina Hayes, Corporate Fundraising Manager, said: “We work with young people who have previously been in care.
“For many care-experienced young people, they will not have had anyone in their life to teach them the basics of independent living.
“Our project workers provide a range of practical support which can include: budgeting, cooking, shopping, learning basic household and DIY skills, making appointments, opening a bank account - all things we frequently take for granted.”
In 2019, the Community Bursary scheme will award more than £100,000 to good causes across the UK. Around 200 causes have previously benefited from the scheme, with £200,000 awarded to various initiatives since 2017.
Visit Cala's Community Bursary page for more information.
