Blantyre groups receive thousands in community budgeting boost

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Two Blantyre organisations are buzzing with excitement after receiving four-figure cash boosts thanks to the area’s participatory budgeting scheme.Women’s group Queen Bees will receive £4000 to expand its programme which ranges from sign language and self-defence sessions to craft and healthy lunches, while Tiny Tots Toddlers will use their £2500 windfall to expand play provision for under-fives to two days per week.They received the community funding from South Lanarkshire Council and the National Lottery after a public vote among local residents which saw 13 projects in the area receiving financial support.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Queen Bees is open to all women in Blantyre and works to improve mental wellbeing, boost confidence and self-esteem, and reduce social isolation and loneliness.

It works with women with disabilities, empowering them to have a voice and strive for equity in the community.Group spokesperson Ginem Anderson said: “The participatory budgeting money has made a massive impact to our group promoting healthy eating, with lunches and also being able to buy the women air fryers to cut costs of energy bills.“It has also let us bring new members to our group and help connect the women of Blantyre to fight the impact of mental health and wellbeing, and take part in tai chi,