The Association secured funding to invest in community projects and was delighted to hear each group pitch their ideas that would benefit local residents.

Groups were asked to submit an application form detailing what their project involved and how funding could help to improve their services and benefit the local communities in which Almond Housing Association has housing stock.

Applications were internally assessed and successful groups were invited along to pitch to each other on Thursday 27th February.

A total of nine groups presented their ideas before all groups voted for their favourite pitch. The projects included:

• West Lothian Food Train to purchase resources for their shopping service and newly launched Eat Well Buddy Service.
• Ladywell Neighbourhood Network to purchase materials for a new digital photography group to improve the health and wellbeing of local people.
• First Steps Playgroup to fund children’s music therapy sessions twice a week for 16 weeks.
• Ladywell Community Fridge to secure a consistent supply of fresh and non- perishable food for their Community Fridge Project in Ladywell.
•  The Schoolbank West Lothian to purchase school clothes, shoes, jackets, PE kits and stationery to support families experiencing financial hardships.
• Riverside PTA to build a community garden for the children who attend Riverside Primary School.
•  Daisy Drop In Playgroup to purchase an outdoor climbing frame for the 30+ children who attend.
• West Lothian 50+ Network to purchase materials and promote awareness of the services and activities available through the network.
• West Lothian Youth Action Project to secure a consistent supply of fresh and non- perishable food for the Community Fridge Project based in Craigshill.

Following the presentations, votes were cast. Soup was served and there was an opportunity for networking whilst votes were counted. The funding decisions were then announced by Almond Housing Association’s CEO, George Webster and cheques were distributed to each group. This allowed each group to leave with their funding and start their projects as soon as possible.

The event was a great success and it was a fantastic opportunity for local groups to network and build connections. Some groups have already planned to collaborate on their community projects to make them bigger and better.