TWO charities from Aberdeenshire have received funding towards crucial projects from GoFibre, as the Scottish independent broadband provider marks one year since the launch of its GoFurther Fund.
The charities have received a slice of the £50,000 fund which was launched last summer to support vital projects and groups in their efforts to transform local lives within the regions where GoFibre continues to build its network.
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One of the charities receiving £3,000 of support is The Haven, a dedicated well-being charity that offers a wide range of free activities to combat social isolation, provide early intervention and prevention of mental health issues and improve access to vital resources in Stonehaven. From new parent support groups to children’s programmes, the initiatives are designed to foster a stronger, healthier community.
This funding will strengthen the charity’s awareness and cover operational costs, including the employment of an assistant to support with the day-to-day administration of running the charity.
Starkeeper Morton, CEO of The Haven, said: “This funding is a game-changer, allowing us to continue to support those who need it most. Our unique mission focuses on prevention rather than crisis response, which often makes securing funding challenging. We are incredibly grateful to GoFibre for backing our efforts to enhance the lives of individuals in our local Stonehaven community.”
£3,000 has also been awarded to North East Sensory Services (NESS), an independent charity providing the first integrated sensory services across Angus and Aberdeenshire. The funding boost will enhance peer support and social groups for over 6,250 individuals with sight or hearing loss in the region by fostering social and cultural activities and promoting positive peer interactions.
Specifically, the funds will cover volunteer training and related expenses across the Angus towns of Brechin, Forfar and Kirriemuir enabling NESS to offer enriching activities that support and engage those with sensory impairments.
Caroline Rutherford, Fundraising Manager at NESS, said: “Our aim is to help reduce isolation and strengthen community bonds with this additional funding enabling us to provide support to more locals. We are thrilled to have received this vital funding, which will cover the costs of volunteer training and expenses.”
Neil Conaghan, Chief Executive Officer at GoFibre, said: “Projects like The Haven and NESS are incredible example of the difference this kind of grassroots support can have in creating a better future for the next generation, and why it’s important for us to recognise and boost the incredible work of charities and organisations across Scotland.
“There has been a clear response from communities that there is a continued need for the work of organisations like The Haven and NESS. We are incredibly proud to be able to support them in their mission to transform local lives.”
GoFibre is currently expanding its network across towns and villages in Aberdeenshire, with nearly 10,000 premises in Stonehaven, Portlethen, Laurencekirk, Newtonhill and Marykirk.
More information on the GoFurther Fund is available at gofibre.co.uk/gofurtherfund.
