Montrose-based architects, Crawford Architecture, proudly awarded £500 in support to two local organisations. Renowned for their commitment to the local community through projects such as The Montrose Playhouse and ongoing work with Montrose FC and Montrose Community Trust, the firm has granted vital funds to NEWSolutions and Montrose Tennis Club, enabling them to continue their outstanding contributions to the community.
Crawford Architecture announced their own community awards in September 2024, aiming to shine a light on local individuals and groups within the Montrose area who are making a significant contribution to the local community, with successful winners selected by the team to receive a grant for up to £500.
The team of eleven were inspired by the incredible work of NEWSolutions, a community interest company committed to empowering communities by building resilience and promoting awareness of mental health and wellbeing within schools, community organisations and businesses.
NEWSolutions plan to use their grant to pilot an activities programme inspired by TV show, Taskmaster, which will be delivered across Montrose primary schools. The free after-school programme aims to encourage children who are typically hard to reach and encourages them to engage in team activities.
Focused on developing core skills such as teamwork, problem solving and resilience, the Taskmaster programme aims to help primary school children to form positive relationships, develop their social skills and build confidence all while having fun.
Originally, Crawford Architecture intended to only have one winner, but after being blown away by the remarkable work happening in the local community, the firm also wanted to recognise Montrose Tennis Club for their inspiring initiative to provide free tennis sessions for children with disabilities or additional support needs.
The funding will allow them to build on the success of last year’s six-week programme where they supported 20 children at Lochside Primary and 12 children at Montrose Academy. These sessions are part of the Montrose Tennis Club’s wider inclusivity initiative, for which they have previously been recognised with Lawn Tennis Association’s ‘Tennis for All Award’ in 2024.
In the knowledge that many children with disabilities or additional support are not able to participate in regular PE sessions, the club, funded by its members, provides the court and all essential resources needed, including specialist balls for those who are partially sighted, completely free of charge.
Montrose Tennis Club has already made a significant impact, having been asked by both participating schools to re-run the programme this year, which has only been made possible thanks to the grant enabling the club to pay for a coach to run the sessions.
The sessions are designed specifically so that children with even the most severe disabilities are able to participate and develop their motor skills with activities ranging from rolling balls and throwing bean bags to developing their racquet skills.
Montrose Tennis Club Coach, Graeme Walker said “The children who take part really benefit from these activities and it’s rewarding to see their skills improve from throwing and catching to getting balls over the net and progressing onto rallying with partners, which is a fantastic skill to have as it brings so much enjoyment to playing tennis.”
“As a new initiative for the club, the volunteer helpers and I have appreciated seeing the children and young adults have fun and grow in confidence and this grant will enable us to continue to run these vital sessions.”
NEWSolutions CIC Director, Gail Penman said, “We are so grateful to Crawford Architecture for this support. It gives us a fantastic opportunity to pilot our Taskmaster programme, enabling us to reach children who may otherwise struggle to engage and giving them the tools they need to thrive both socially and academically.”
Speaking about the initiative, David Paton, Director at Crawford Architecture said “It has been really rewarding to see the profound impact that both NEWSolutions and Montrose Tennis Club are having on our community. We are incredibly proud to be able to support them and look forward to seeing the positive outcomes that their new programmes will bring to Montrose.”
Crawford Architecture wants to continue its support for local organisations by committing to make the community awards an annual tradition, driving positive change and championing impactful work throughout the Montrose area.
