Champion Skill Share

1. How has this funding impacted your organisation overall?

The funding we have received through the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund has enabled the Champion Skill Share Group to look forward to the year ahead, in the knowledge that we can afford to pay for our hall rental and the soup and sandwich lunch we provide to the members of the group. Sitting down to eat our lunch together is important to our group as it enables everyone to engage socially with each other whether through chat and discussion or through serving food to each other, Some members of the group have started to bring in their own delicious home baking to share. As a result of the social interaction we have observed friendships developing and the growth of confidence among the members of the Group. The funding has also given us the confidence to buy craft materials and board games, it has enabled us to pay for transport to story telling sessions at the Greener Peebles Community Garden, for a group trip to the National Museum of Scotland and a planned trip to First Ministers Questions at the Scottish Parliament in the future.

2. What difference has the funding made for the people you support?

We have observed how members of the group have become more socially engaged and have grown in confidence as a result of the activities we have undertaken. One member of our group was keen to learn to knit and we have used funds provided through BCA to purchase wool and needles. Another member of the group enjoys cooking and has taken a lead in cooking sessions using the air fryer bought with funds from BCA. After a visit to Greener Peebles Community Garden we noticed how much members of the group enjoyed the bubble machine and moon drum used as part of the story telling and the BCA funding allowed us to purchase our own bubble machine and moon drum. A member of our group who is deaf has gained particular enjoyment from the moon drum as when it is played, she is able to feel the vibrations from the sound. The bubble machine has provided lots of fun for members of the group.

3. In what ways has the funding affected your volunteers or their involvement?

One to one interaction with volunteers is a very important aspect of the group and it is through this process that we are able to identify the interests and wishes of members of the group. We are planning first aid training for all volunteers and a sign language session is also planned for the future.

The knowledge that we have the funds to provide the facilities to pursue the interests of the group is inspirational for our volunteers.

4. What improvements or changes have you made to your programmes or services as a result of the funding?

When the evaluation process indicated that members of the group hoped to take part in outings, we were able to plan for this in the knowledge that transport costs could be covered.

5. Has the funding led to any new collaborations or strengthened community connections?

We have been able to work with other community groups in Peebles. BCA funding has enabled us to arrange a taxi for members of the group who have mobility issues so that we can visit the Greener Peebles Community Garden. We have worked closely with Interest Link, a community group in Peebles. A representative from Interest Link meets with the Champion Skills Share Group to keep the group up to date with activities which may be of interest and we share our equipment with Interest Link. Some members of the Champion Skill Share Group attend Interest Link events. We plan to discuss future purchases of large items of equipment with Interest Link with a view to sharing them in the future.

6. How has the funding influenced your organisation’s sustainability or future plans?

Champion Skill Share was started with the support of the LAC Team but with the reorganisation of the team this support has been very much reduced and we have only had one referral over the last 6 months. In order for our group to thrive and to enable the benefits of being a member of the group to be enjoyed by more people, it is hoped that we will received more support through the LAC team.

We try to publicise the Champion Skill Share Group whenever possible. We have done the following to support this:

• 2 Committee members attended the Mental Health Cafe which took place in the Focus Community Centre in Galashiels.
• 2 Committee members are planning to attend the regular Peebles What Matters Hub held in Costa Coffee.
• One of the group members has created a flyer advertising the group’s activities. The printing of this was funded through BCA funding.

7. What feedback do you have about the funding application and award process?

We feel we have been well supported throughout the process of preparing for the application for funding.

8. What additional support would help you build on the success of this funding?

The following conditions are important for the survival of the Champion Skill Share Group:

• Working with the LAC Team, in particular the referral of people who may be interested in joining the Group
• Taking advantage of opportunities to work together with other Community Groups
• The Group welcomes the opportunity to invite speakers from organisations such as local health agencies, citizens panel to join our meetings

9. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience with this funding?

Funding provided through the partnership with Borders Community Action has helped ensure the independence and survival of the group It has allowed the group to explore new areas which would not have been possible before, in particular, crafts, cookery and trips.