The future of a project for old folk has been secured after a double cash boost worth more than £100,000.
Creetown Initiative’s weekly Ferry Friends initiative has been helping senior citizens for four years.
And it is set to continue for another three after receiving £74,275 from the National Lottery to go with £36,900 from the Bank of Scotland Foundation.
Senior project officer, Amy-Dee Watson, said: “This project is now funded for three years – that’s staff costs as well as activity costs and trips. It’s great – we know it’s going to continue for the next three years and it’s really good news for us and the community.
“There are more than 100 people signed up and weekly we have about 40 seniors that go. It’s about combatting rural isolation and loneliness, which are issues that affect older generations.
“A lot of them live on their own and don’t have their own transport. Some of them might struggle financially as well. We have sessions that are free, have a nominal fee or pay what you feel. It runs weekly and each week there is a different activity or topic.
“On Monday, we had professional dancers come in to do tea dances with everybody. We do drumming sessions, bingo and creative things like painting flower pots or flower arranging.
“We also have information sessions – so we get the fire department or police, citizens advice, NHS, Age Scotland and we’ve had some financial and legal professionals come in and speak to them as well.
“It’s signposting as well as providing activities and meaningful activities for them to do.”
The initiative also plans to set up a warm space in the village’s Waverley Hall in the autumn.
Kirkpatrick Durham Recreation Association is receiving £9,000 to refurbish an outbuilding for storage, with Kirkcudbright Development Trust receiving £2,795 for weekly meal sessions for families. User and Carer Involvement has been given nearly £40,000 for a project supporting women with learning disabilities.
