West Lothian Youth Action Project is a charity that supports young people and their families in improving their life circumstances. The £500 donation from the Link in the Community Fund was spent on equipment for training programmes and food for struggling families.

The £500 from the Link in the Community Fund donated to The Boghall Drop-In Centre was spent on buying arts and crafts equipment, board games, and baking equipment allowing increased peer-to-peer engagement as well as being more fun for those taking part. Children were able to try new activities, which would not have been possible without this funding.

Volunteers meet regularly to collaborate on designing arches for the Bathgate Procession and Community Festival. The £500 from the Link in the Community Fund was spent on art supplies to make decorations such as shields, swords, flags, and crowns for the arches. Sector-leading property development, management, and maintenance service C~urb assisted with the construction and installation of the arch.

The £500 funding from the Link in the Community Fund donated to Home Start West Lothian was spent on additional resources for the group and a healthy snack for the children and parents who attend.

Bo’ness United Community Football Club received £500 from the Link in the Community Fund which was spent on equipment for the club to use during training sessions and games, promoting healthy living and exercise for children.

Grant Alexander, Link’s head of community well-being, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the impact the Link in the Community Fund is making. It is providing a vital lifeline to many community causes across West Lothian during this cost-of-living crisis when their services could not be more important or timely. I hope many more individuals, community-minded charities, and community organisations benefit from the Link in the Community Fund.”

If you would like more information about the Link in the Community Fund or to apply for funding, please email Community Benefit Officer Ken Greenshields at Kenneth.Greenshields@linkhaltd.co.uk.