All of us at Strathcarron Hospice is delighted to announce we have received a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund.

This funding will enable us to grow the compassionate Communities project in three distinct communities across Forth Valley over the next three years. Compassionate Communities is a social movement which aims to build resilience and strong communities where supporting ageing, illness, dying and grieving is something everyone can get involved in.

The project focuses on three areas: Killin (Stirlingshire), Tillicoultry, Alva, Coalsnaughton, Fishcross and Devonside (villages in North Clackmannanshire), Denny and surrounding area. Each of these areas has its own identity with history, culture and strengths.

Starting in early 2020, Compassionate Community Builders will get to know local people and community groups. Together they will work out what the community can do for themselves with existing resources and what they need extra support with. Each community will develop its own ways of supporting its own members. This might include befriending, peer-support, community drop-ins and education or information sessions. We will work within each community to support a network of trained volunteers who will support people to live as well as they can, within their own community, right up to the end of life. The aim is to reduce isolation and improve quality of life for people affected by long-term conditions.

If you would like to become part of this innovative project please call the Hospice on 01324 826222 and ask for Project Lead, Susan High.