News

Libraries in Falkirk are holding Words for Wellbeing groups every two weeks, with each lasting around one hour. The groups currently take place at: Bonnybridge Library (next session on Friday 29th April, 3:30pm – 4:30pm); Bo’ness Library (next session on Saturday 30th April, 1:30pm – 2:30pm); Grangemouth Library (first session on Tuesday 10th May, 6pm – 7pm); Denny Library; Larbert Library; Meadowbank Library. The groups are intended to support mental health and wellbeing by encouraging people to get out of the house and enabling them to socialise in a safe space, with no “homework” required.

Money Advice Scotland’s next Financial Wellbeing webinar takes place on Thursday 28th April, 2pm – 2:45pm, via Zoom. The “Cost of Living” webinar is open to everyone, and will look the current crisis, focusing on what is increasing, how it will affect people, and discussing where they can go to get help. 

Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s (HIS) next Community Engagement webinar takes place on Tuesday 26th April, 2pm – 3pm, where presenters will talk about “Mobilisation of Dentistry and Recovery of Planned and Urgent Care: Feedback from the National Citizens’ Panel on Health and Social Care”.

We’re delighted to introduce Jessie Henderson, who will be supporting the Forth Valley Social Enterprise Network (FVSEN) as part of her new role with our colleagues at Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface (CTSI). Jessie has kindly put together a small piece about herself for our members in Falkirk: “I started working for CTSI in March 2022…

Tamfourhill Gymnastics is looking for volunteer coaches, open to young people aged 14 years old and over. Volunteer coaches will learn fundamental coaching skills, and how to apply these in a gymnastics environment, help set up for sessions, support the gymnasts, and access first aid and safeguarding. Volunteering would take place on Wednesdays, 4:30pm – 8pm, and Thursdays, 4pm – 5:30pm.

Birch Tree Garden is a new community project offering fresh fruit and vegetables to those experiencing food poverty in the community. They also provide training days for local people within the Falkirk area. There are various volunteer opportunities for decorating, cleaning, gardening, litter picking, erecting fencing, building poultry housing and enclosures, working in the shop/cafe area, and animal husbandry. These roles are suitable for volunteers aged 16 years old and over.

Go Forth & Clyde are seeking lock keeper volunteers to carry out activities on the Forth and Clyde Canal. The volunteer lock keeper team is based at Lock 16 in Camelon, and the role will involve assisting with boat movements on the canal for roughly 6 hours per week. Go Forth & Clyde will provide training and the required tools, life jackets, hi-vis clothing, and a bicycle to travel between the locks (or you may use your own). This opportunity is available to volunteers aged 16 years old and over.

Forth Valley Disability Sport (FVDS) is seeking a volunteer Chairperson. The Chairperson will play a strategic and pivotal role. You will be responsible for ensuring that there is effective communication with the leadership team, and act as a sounding board for the FVDS Coordinator. Main duties include leading management and affairs, oversee work, liaise on meeting agendas and approving the minutes, ensure funds are spent accurately, and more. The deadline for notes of interest is Friday 22nd April.

Versus Arthritis has launched the Let’s Move Together Fund, which is open to organisations and community groups supporting people with musculoskeletal conditions and arthritis. Grants of up to £5,000 are available to support people with musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis, to get active. Applicants should be working to increase the availability of exercise opportunities for people with musculoskeletal conditions in local communities.

The Creative Breaks funding programme is now open for applications, with a total of £1 million available to fund short breaks projects for carers and the people they care for. The Creative Breaks programme provides 12 month grants to third sector groups and organisations to develop and deliver short breaks projects and services for carers of adults (aged 21 years old and over), young carers (caring for children or adults), and the people that they care for. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Thursday 20th May.