Firstport’s Catalyst Fund has announced its first investment – to Bo’ness’ own Sustainable Thinking Scotland CIC! They have become the first social enterprise in Scotland to secure investment from the fund, with £190,000 to enable them to bring their biochar technology to market. In addition to their innovative biochar work, STS grows fresh fruit and vegetables for local foodbanks, as well as delivering learning projects – and most recently, they’re involved with the new gardening project at Bo’ness Community Hospital!
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Falkirk Plan Draft Open for Consultation
The draft Falkirk Plan has been published, and is now open for public consultation via an online survey. The Plan is a new 10 year strategy, developed by the Falkirk Community Planning Partnership (CPP) to help tackle the most pressing issues of poverty and inequality across the entire Falkirk area. The current draft was developed through engagement with Falkirk’s different communities. The deadline for responses is Thursday 30th September.
FREE Hand Sanitiser for Forth Valley Third Sector Groups
The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) in Forth Valley and Falkirk Safebase have been gifted an incredibly generous and large donation of L’Oreal hand sanitiser, which they are offering FREE to local third sector organisations and sports clubs across the Forth Valley.
COVID-19 Protection Levels Update: Scotland Moving Beyond Level 0
Scottish Government has confirmed that, on Monday 9th August, all of Scotland will move beyond Level 0 of COVID-19 restrictions, as planned. However, some protective measures will stay in place, including masks and face coverings indoors and on public transport, by law (with exemptions in place), and the collection of contact details as part of Test and Protect. People are also advised to continue to clean their hands and surfaces regularly.
Canal Encounters 2021
Canal Encounters is a free, month-long celebration of the Forth and Clyde Canals as part of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21, running Sunday 1st August – Sunday 29th August, with different activities, workshops and walks along the 4 mile trail in Falkirk.
COVID-19 Protection Levels Update: Scotland Entering Level 0
Scottish Government has confirmed that, from Monday 19th July, all of Scotland will move to Level 0. However, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has urged everyone to follow the current safety measures in place in their area until that time, and to follow Level 0 guidance afterwards. As a result of the ongoing high number of cases in Scotland, face masks will remain mandatory (with medical exemptions in place).
Forth Valley COVID-19 Vaccination Drop-in Clinics Extended
NHS Forth Valley has extended their drop-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics until THIS SUNDAY. The clinics will run every day until Sunday 18th July (inclusive), 8:30am – 7pm at the Forth Valley College campuses in Falkirk, Stirling (not the Raploch campus), and Alloa. People from the following groups should attend: anyone aged 30 – 39 years old who has not had their first Pfizer vaccine; people over 40 years old who have not had their first AstraZeneca vaccine; anyone (of any age) who had their first Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine more than 9 weeks ago and now needs their second.
COVID-19 Protection Levels Update: Falkirk Entering Level 1
Scottish Government has announced that, from Saturday 5th June, Falkirk will enter Level 1 of the COVID-19 protection tiers. However, many of the surrounding areas (including Stirling and Clackmannanshire) will remain in Level 2 due to their higher number of confirmed cases. Glasgow will also enter Level 2.
Volunteer Awards Ceremony 2021 Winners!
We are delighted to confirm the winners of Falkirk’s 2021 Volunteer Awards, who were announced at last night’s digital ceremony. (The ceremony is available to watch via YouTube at any time.)
– Volunteer of the Year: Lynne Boslem, Tamfourhill Community Hub
– Young Volunteer of the Year: Caitlyn Ross, Forth Valley Girlguiding (Carron Division)
– Innovative Volunteer Award: the Code Red group at Denny High School
– COVID Volunteer Award: Lesley Smith, Royal Voluntary Service (Forth Valley)
– Panel’s Choice: Laura Stewart, Forth Valley Sensory Centre
Saltire Awards and Informal Volunteering
The Saltire Awards are Scottish Government-recognised certificates for young volunteers aged 12 – 25 years old to celebrate their contribution to volunteering, including informal volunteering and “helping out”. Helping neighbours and family members with errands such as shopping, getting their newspaper, walking their dog, taking their bins out, and gritting icy paths are examples of informal volunteering. If you know a young person who has volunteered in this way, please get in touch with our team so we can verify the hours for their Saltire Awards, before Tuesday 8th June.
