Scottish Borders – Neighbourhood Support Fund

The funding is intended to support a range of community-led initiatives that improve the quality of life of people living in the Scottish Borders, with a stronger focus on addressing social inclusion, skills development, wellbeing improvement and participation in community life.

Projects must align with at least one of the following four key priority areas:

• Theme 1 – Community Regeneration – to support the development and revitalisation of community assets. Examples of eligible projects include:
  • Feasibility studies for community-led initiatives: Hire a consultant or facilitator to assess the viability of transforming a vacant space into a community-owned facility.
  • Projects supporting town and village improvement: Volunteer-led community enhancement projects such as green spaces, community growing

• Theme 2 – Skills Development – to reduce inequalities and improve the life chances of people in the community. Examples of eligible projects include: 
  • Digital inclusion – projects looking to support people to develop digital skills in the local community. The fund can be used towards the purchase of tablets/laptops and/or hiring a digital trainer to run regular sessions, Youth Led skills development projects such as Tech for Good Clubs, Intergenerational activities
  • Supporting learning and development – projects aimed at empowering individuals to access work, services or education and Youth Enterprise projects.

• Theme 3 – Connected Communities – to foster community connections and social networks. Projects focusing on creating opportunities for people to feel connected and supported in their communities. An example of an eligible project:
  • Seasonal activities, with a focus on winter months, such as supporting shared meals, community cafes and drop-ins (healthy eating options and/or stimulating activities)

• Theme 4 – Health and Wellbeing – to improve physical and mental health through local activities that promote physical – Mental health and emotional resilience programmes. Examples of projects eligible include:
  • Sports and physical activities sessions running at a local venue: Walking Football, Walking Netball, Gentle exercise, Mindfulness, Intergeneration activities, Creative Arts Workshops, Dance for Wellbeing, local events promoting social inclusion and connection.