Shetlanders who have a learning or physical disability will benefit from £5000 that has been awarded to Disability Shetland. The money is coming from Corra Foundation and is part of almost £200,000 of funding that has been awarded this month to 48 charities for work across Scotland.
Stephenie Pagulayan, Recreation Club Co-ordinator, said: “Disability Shetland supports the efforts of disabled people to realise their full potential in all areas of life. We do this through a range of activities including social, recreational and sports clubs for young people and adults aged 8 to 80 with additional support needs. Over 100 people take part in The Recreation Club Project, with weekly activities including swimming, yoga and sports workshops carried out at venues in Lerwick on the mainland and in the northern isles of Yell and Unst.
“Disability Shetland also has a wheelchair lending service, local Access Panel, on-line Access Guide and provides disability awareness training. Other activities also include boat trips on the Wootton Lass and fun clubs for children. Like many charities we are only able to run because of our great volunteers, and we have over 50 who supervise the activities we run and help the people involved get the most out of them. This is very important not only for the individuals but also for our local communities of whom they are a valuable part.”
Mary Craig OBE, Chief Executive of Corra Foundation, said: “This award will help provide a really valuable service for people in Shetland who need a little bit of extra support to get involved in activities in their local communities. The money will be used to help pay for the group’s Recreation Club Co-ordinator, and we know how important it is to have funding in place for basic costs like salaries. Disability Shetland has had seven other awards from us in the past, and it is great to be able to continue to support its work. We’re interested in hearing from other charities in Shetland that are working to make life better for people who are disadvantaged, and the next closing date for applications is 16th September.”
