The fund, which was set up in collaboration with the Scottish Procurement Alliance and Lintel Trust, aims to empower local initiatives that enhance opportunities, wellbeing and inclusivity for residents in the area. Several groups have now received funding to support their valuable community-driven efforts.

Six North Motherwell organisations have been awarded funding, each receiving support to further their impactful work.

The organisations are:

• North Fest Gala Day, a Gala Day scheduled to take place for a second year running at Logan’s Road Pitch in North Motherwell, from 12pm – 4pm on Saturday, 9 August 2025. This Gala Day will be a continuation of last year’s well-loved event that brought people together for a day of community and celebration. Organiser of the North Fest

Gala Day, Lynn McFarlane expressed gratitude on behalf of the North Fest team: “This donation is absolutely appreciated and will help towards the community fun day in August - which was a huge success last year. We cannot thank the Lintel Trust and Clyde Valley team enough.”

• Shoto Buto Karate Club is putting their funding towards new equipment to support training sessions.

Jamie McPherson from the club shared his excitement: “Thanks very much to Clyde Valley! I can’t wait to tell the kids at the club.”

• North Motherwell Football Club is using the award to purchase new equipment and help young players attend football tournaments.

Megan Ogilvie from the club thanked CVHA for the funding: “North Motherwell Yellow 2011’s are so grateful to have been awarded these funds. We have a group of talented young players who are trained by our experienced and dedicated coaches. Our Community is important to us and everyone plays a role in our team. For these young boys, football is an escape from the everyday challenges in life. They are developing life skills here such as teamwork, resilience, leadership, time management and confidence – and in turn, the players are positive role models for other youngsters in our community.

“This funding will allow the team to continue their success by creating opportunities to attend various tournaments across the country. With the cost of living, we are aware of the potential financial burden these costs could have on player’s families, this fund will alleviate that pressure. Our goal is to keep football affordable for all and to continue to provide a safe and nurturing environment for everyone. Thank you to Clyde Valley for their support to achieve this!”

• St Bernadette’s Primary School Parents Council are using the funding to support fundraising efforts for a new playground, ensuring a better and safer play environment for local children.
• North Motherwell Community Singing Group, a singing group that operate in the Winter with the aim to build community during the darker, colder months.

Helen Pope from the group expressed her excitement at the funding: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this funding - it’s brilliant news! Our group is led by a talented, local musician, Raymond Tulips and is an opportunity to bring together around 40 local people, ranging from teenagers to pensioners during the darker Winter months. The group creates a real sense of friendship and community, especially for those who may be feeling isolated. Thanks to Clyde Valley Housing Association’s funding, we can continue our group this Winter.”

• Train Your Spirit, a local wellness business, dedicated to promoting mental and physical wellbeing through holistic wellness programmes, including mindfulness, fitness and self-care initiatives is using the funding to deliver a free two month wellness programme for single mothers and female parent carers of individuals with additional support needs.

Jade Mullen, Train Your Spirit’s Founder, shared her excitement: “Thank you to Clyde Valley Housing Association for this funding. These funds have allowed Train Your Spirit to offer a wellness programme to support women in the North Motherwell community.”

CVHA said it is committed to strengthening the North Motherwell community by investing in projects that enhance wellbeing, provide opportunities and encourage inclusivity. The Community Opportunity Fund is part of this ongoing commitment, helping to empower grassroots initiatives that make a real difference to people’s lives.

Sandra Foster, North Motherwell housing officer at Clyde Valley Housing Association, added: “We are thrilled to support such a diverse range of community projects in North Motherwell through this fund. Each of these organisations plays a vital role in bringing people together, supporting young people and fostering wellbeing. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these grants will have.”

Amanda Gauld, social value advisor at Scottish Procurement Alliance shared her thoughts on the Fund: “For 8 years the SPA Community Benefit Fund in partnership with Lintel Trust has invested in over 100 diverse community projects across Scotland.

“Awarding in excess of £1 million to date of grant funding to initiatives creating wide-spread impact and opportunities for Scottish communities by helping residents reconnect, address critical needs and improve their local communities. It’s a real privilege to spread good news to residents of North Motherwell and provide funds that will contribute to developing their community by giving access to wellbeing programmes, replacing equipment for children’s groups and supporting the wider community come together.”