Let’s Get Sporty Community Trust (LGSCT) has received a welcome boost of £25,000 from South of Scotland Enterprise to help with the planning of a new extension at their base at Lochvale House in Dumfries. The funding will be specifically used for development costs and architect drawings during its initial stages.
The not-for-profit social enterprise provides young people with training, mentoring and employment opportunities through the delivery of training, sport and physical activity.
Initially set up to tackle youth unemployment and improve physical activity rates in the region, the enterprise has now developed a unique programme individual to each participant’s needs. Let’s Get Sporty also provides support for people looking to learn about other careers, not just sport, including marketing, administration, sales, event management and more.
David Bradbury CEO of Let’s Get Sporty Community Trust (LGSCT) said:
“Let’s Get Sporty and Lochvale House cannot thank SOSE enough for their support to help us develop plans for our new extension. It will support the whole region to have a facility that will bring communities together, support health and wellbeing, and reduce unemployment levels.
“Let’s Get Employed facility will give opportunities to local people to learn, train and develop life and employability skills that will give them a platform to work in all sectors across Dumfries and Galloway. We want to grow the local economy, to support families and help communities to be the best they can be.
“SOSE Board and its staff have been nothing short of outstanding and a breath of fresh air.
“Not only have they supported us with the grant, but they have really supported this project with their knowledge, resources, and experience.
“I cannot thank them enough for sharing our vision to create a facility that will bring all communities together, but more importantly tackle unemployment in the region.
“SOSE have shown they really care about the region and I am really looking forward to working with them in the future. “
Professor Russel Griggs OBE, Chair of SOSE, said:
“As the new economic development agency for the South of Scotland, our mission is to work with the people and communities across the region and grow our economy.
“I would like to offer my personal thanks to ‘Let’s Get Sporty’ for their incredible work with young people in Dumfries & Galloway, and their commitment to providing excellent training & mentoring to help them enter the workplace. They’re also looking at the bigger picture and improving participants health and wellbeing at the same time.
“SOSE is here to provide investment, expertise and mentoring, as we inspire the region to think bigger, and unlock significant opportunities for all. We will continue to work closely with Let’s Get Sporty and support them in their valuable work over the months and years ahead.”
South of Scotland Enterprise is the economic and community development agency for Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. SOSE’s support is tailored to individual circumstances and the agency is encouraging businesses, community groups, organisations to get in touch with them if they need, help, support, or advice. Visit www.southofscotlandenterprise.com or call 0300 304 8888.