Home-Start Caithness boosted by £10,000 of funding

Home-Start Caithness has secured a second year of grant funding totalling £10,000 from Bank of Scotland Foundation’s funding programme, Reach.

The money will be used as a contribution towards core costs such as the salaries of staff and the running of the new Wick Family Hub.

Founded in 1999, Home-Start Caithness currently supports over 300 babies, children and parents across Caithness. Its new family hub was opened in Wick in October and continues to be successful, with families accessing Antenatal PeeP courses, sharing food area and specialist support for autistic parents as well as groups and support in their own homes.

With the cost of living crisis impacting mental health, as well as income, the funding will mean that the charity can continue to deliver a range of programmes, overseen by its manager, Fiona Carlisle, so that families have a better quality of life through increased and continued access to support and activities.

David Smith, chair of the trustee board said: “We are delighted to receive this grant from Bank of Scotland Foundation’s Reach Programme as knowing we will be able to continue to fund our staff team and provide essential bills for the hub is a huge relief.

"The work they do is vital in ensuring children, young people and parents remain involved in the community and get a chance to enjoy themselves.”

Donald MacKechnie, chair of the Foundation’s board of trustees and insurance and wealth transformation and strategy director at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “We are delighted to award Home-Start Caithness with £10,000 of funding. The cost of living crisis means many charities are struggling with increasing expenditure, at a time when the demand for their services is as great as ever. Our grant awards will help charities through the challenging months ahead.”

Contact details and more information for Home-Start Caithness: Tel: 01955 609163; Email: aimee@homestartcaithness.org.uk​

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