
Local community enterprise given tools to expand.
A Lanark-based social enterprise that provides training and development opportunities for those with complex support needs, has built a new industrial workshop thanks to funding from UKSE.
Clydesdale Community Initiatives (CCI) have received £2,500 from UKSE which has gone towards the construction of a new shed that will be used to develop a new social enterprise venture – the milling of timber.
The milling and seasoning of the timber will be undertaken by CCI, which is intended to engage and assist the individuals involved by encouraging them to develop new vocational skills, increasing self-esteem and independence.
Once seasoned and treated, the timber will be used to make furniture in the on-site workshop or sold directly to the public.
Each of the activities CCI offer, including food preparation, horticulture and woodcraft, are aimed to empower individuals and give them the confidence to make contributions to their local community.
The organisation is also working on other exciting projects, with a new tearoom, gift shop, nature trail and playground currently being built.
CCI work closely with several other local organisations, including Lanark in Bloom and Castlebank Park, where they assist with harvesting fruit and vegetables, donating any excess to Clydesdale Food Bank.
Karen Tennant, office manager at CCI said: “Within each of the groups that we run there’s a real mixture of participants of different ages and needs, who have to learn to work together on tasks. I think that’s part of our success, because we do that very well.
“UKSE have supported us with funding on several occasions for different projects and are always keen to help out wherever they can. Without their support we wouldn’t have been able to provide these amazing opportunities and resources for our groups, which are vital in keeping them engaged and allowing them to develop new skills.”
Anne Clyde, regional manager at UKSE, said: “CCI continues lead the way with its forward-thinking community initiatives, helping locals develop vocational skills and form meaningful relationships. We are proud to support the team and look forward to seeing their future projects come to life.”
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