Project Overview

Safe Space is a 52 week initiative designed to support ethnic minorities and financially vulnerable individuals in Perth. By offering targeted workshops, emergency assistance, and community engagement opportunities, this project empowers participants to achieve financial independence, improve their well-being, and strengthen their sense of belonging. The initiative will provide practical skills development, entrepreneurship support, and essential resources to help individuals overcome poverty and social exclusion.

1. Expand Warm Space & Safe Space Workshops

   • Transition from immediate relief efforts to long-term financial empowerment by equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed for self-sufficiency.

2. Small Business Startup Support (in partnership with Business Gateway)

   • Offer step-by-step guidance on launching small businesses, covering key areas such as business registration, financial planning, accessing grants, and marketing strategies.
   • Provide one-on-one mentorship and networking opportunities to help aspiring entrepreneurs navigate business challenges.

3. Skills Development for Freelance and Self-Employment

   • Deliver training sessions on practical skills that enhance employability, including digital literacy, communication, budgeting, and time management.
   • Offer resources on freelancing, self-employment pathways, and how to effectively market services.

4. Enhance Emergency and Cost of Living Support

   • Expand access to grocery and essential packs for individuals and families struggling with the rising cost of living.
   • Provide immediate relief while working towards sustainable financial solutions for participants.

5. Strengthen Community Engagement & Trust

   • Foster a safe and welcoming environment where ethnic minorities feel valued and supported.
   • Create opportunities for peer networking, social integration, and shared learning experiences.
   • Encourage self-sufficiency and resilience through collaborative community engagement.

• Weekly Workshops: Sessions on employability, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, designed to equip participants with practical skills for economic independence.
• Small Business & Freelancing Support: Guidance and mentorship for those looking to start businesses or transition into self-employment.
• Emergency Relief: Distribution of grocery and essential packs to support individuals and families in need.
• Networking & Peer Support: Community-building events that encourage knowledge sharing and mutual support.

Ethnic minorities and financially vulnerable individuals in Perth, particularly those facing barriers to employment, financial independence, and social integration.

• Increased financial stability for participants through access to small business and self-employment opportunities.
• Improved mental and physical well-being by reducing financial stress and offering a pathway to economic security.
• Stronger community bonds through engagement, collaboration, and shared learning experiences.

Through this initiative, Safe Space will not only provide immediate relief but also empower individuals to take control of their futures, break the cycle of poverty, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The Care Van operates with the support of local churches in Perth, Holy Trinity, St John’s Episcopal Church and St Marks, Letham. The outreach model reduces barriers to accessing support whenever possible and is available to all. The Care Van brings community and support to those in Perth who need it. Every Wednesday the Care Van is located at St Catherines Square and St John’s Episcopal Church, strategically located near multiple temporary accommodation hostels. During the winter months, this stop with St John’s operates as a warm space. In July 2024 the service expanded to the Letham area, as it was identified as an area where one-to-one support often took place. This stop has been in demand from the outset, with 415 access to support since launching.  

Swarthick, our Pioneer Coordinator who runs the Care Van, has worked with people experiencing homelessness in Perth for over a decade, and he was highly involved in shaping the service of the Care Van to ensure it was addressing local needs. There are several well-established organisations in Perth who provide a meal for those who need it, but we identified a serious lack of outreach and support for transient individuals struggling with homelessness and other complex needs. Our Care Van is helping to fill this gap. The demand for Swarthick's time and assistance since he initiated the Care Van in 2021 is further evidence of the need. He supports over 1,500 presentations each year through the van and through those connections, he assists around 60 people with more targeted, one-to-one support. And last year, the demand for one-to-one support was much greater, in large part due to the Cost-of-Living Crisis. A local resident himself, Swarthick has become well-known in the community, and he is often stopped by service users wanting support on visits to the supermarket or walks along the high street in his free time. 

Two examples of the collaborative work done by our Pioneer Coordinator and volunteers: 

During our regular care van stops, we met Cindy. She was quite shy and hesitant to approach the van at first, but after a lot of reassurance, she found the confidence to approach the van and accept some support. She was suffering from the consequences of a traumatic and abusive marriage breakdown, and she didn't know where to go for help. Over a few weeks, we were able to signpost her to various organisations, and we offered one-to-one support whenever she needed. Remarkably over a period of 8 months, Cindy built her confidence enough to find work. She also moved out of social housing into a private let and has held a job ever since. We're still in touch with Cindy and every now and then still receive a message from her stating how grateful she is for the support we gave her.  

John was already receiving some one-to-one support when he received a letter from the DWP that he didn't understand. On reading the letter, Swarthick thought it was strangely worded, and the letter asked for proof of ID. Swarthick phoned the helpline for John, and it was suggested that the letter must be sent in error because they don't need evidence for clients who have been in receipt of benefits for several years, as John had. They said nothing further needed to be done; however, three months later another letter appeared asking the same questions and threatening detrimental consequences if there was no response. This made John panic, and his anxiety peaked. John has limited literacy and is unable to use a computer, which made handling the situation even harder for him. Swarthick called the helpline again and was put through to the department that investigates fraud. They said that a form of sophisticated fraud was committed using John's details and that is why photographic evidence was needed to confirm his identification. John only had a bus pass as a form a photo ID, and Swarthick suggested that a copy of the bus pass could be posted. Swarthick also informed them about John's literacy, and based on this information, they said that an official would contact Swarthick if they required to get in touch with the service user. A few weeks later, the entire case was dropped due to the rightful intervention. John was delighted with the outcome, and his anxiety dramatically reduced once the situation was resolved. 

Letham4All SCIO has been working with a variety of partners across Perth and Kinross at a very local community level, a dignified and holistic route to reduce the impact of poverty.  As a result of this work, Letham4All has successfully piloted the use of the Pay Point Platform and extended to scope of Perth Cards, to provide small amounts of financial support, to help people in immediate financial crisis. Working with existing referral routes this project will provide an additional route for support for those who are not successful with a crisis grant or where a crisis grant is not an appropriate option. The Paypoint Platform enables the sending of utility voucher codes by text message to a mobile phone that can be redeemed in the usual place people top up their utility cards/keys and the Perth Cards across Perth and Kinross can be used in a variety of shops to purchase food and utilities.

This referral-based support has been accessed by a range of public agencies and 3rd sector organisations who have had no other means of supporting people with financial support to offer a breathing space while longer-term solutions are set up. This has been particularly effective out with traditional working hours and at weekends and support can be organised and delivered within an hour.  We know from feedback from agencies that being able to offer this quick solution to those most in need is very beneficial to the household, encourages further discussion to longer-term solutions to prevent further crises, and reduces stress and worry. Partners have also told us that being able to use the Pay Point Platform as a means of offering support saves valuable staff time in handling and delivering cash payments for utility tops-ups and is a much faster way of getting support to their clients.  To deliver this project Letham4All and its partners use the Citizen Advice Bureau’s information-sharing protocol, The Fast Online Referral Tracking System, FORT. This system enables all partners to see what referrals and support services have been received by a service user eliminating the risk of duplication, and giving support services a clear picture of services received and of any gaps emerging in meeting the needs of the person. Letham4All will reach out through its existing partners and networks in Rattray to ensure that information on how this support can be accessed through the referral process and The Fast Online Referral Tracking System is widely shared and understood.

Perthshire Rugby: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures

At Perthshire Rugby, we believe every child should have the chance to enjoy the benefits of sport—no matter their background. That’s why we’re launching a FREE summer rugby and multi-sports camp, ensuring financial barriers don’t hold kids back!

With the rising cost of living, many families struggle to afford extracurricular activities. But sport is more than just a game—it builds confidence, resilience, leadership, and friendships. 

Our Vision: A Week of Sport & Community

Monday 11th August | 9 AM – 3 PM – Multi-sports camp

Saturday 16th August – Community Funday & BBQ

Completely FREE – No hidden costs! Healthy lunches, snacks & drinks provided Expert coaching from qualified rugby & sports coaches Inclusive & fun for all skill levels

This isn’t just about rugby—it’s about building a stronger, healthier, and more connected community.

We need your vote to secure funding and make this happen!

Vote for Perthshire Rugby today! Help us inspire the next generation and create lasting change.

Kids Week in Crieff has been running for 9 years now. Our 2025 event shall take place between Monday 14th and Friday 18th July this Summer. We plan to organise a range of events and activities for families to enjoy throughout Crieff over a 5 day period. Including various service providers, local groups and businesses. And something for a variety of ages and interests. Events that we plan to hold again this year are a family film night, family quiz, an outdoor assault course, family disco, a Teddy Bears Picnic, cycling event, social meet at the skatepark and nature yoga. New event for this year is a performance in the park - music, show or storytelling. 

Mums Meet & Make workshops will provide a place for new, young and single mothers to come together to be creative, make friends, and find out about support in the community. Participants will be welcome to bring their babies and young children (under 3 years) to the classes – but the activities will be for the mums rather than the children.

Inclusive, Enjoyable, Inspiring   

Workshops will be led by Jaz Grady, a local illustrator/photographer. Jaz has lots of experience running welcoming and accessible classes for people with little or no experience of art, craft or making of any kind. Activities will be absorbing, enjoyable and easy to do. The aim is to create a safe and inspiring environment where mums can explore their creativity, make friends, and thrive in a supportive and inclusive setting.   

"In previous projects, we created spaces where laughter, community, and creativity flourished—encouraging mothers to rediscover themselves as individuals beyond being ‘just mum’. It wasn’t just about play for the children; it was about inspiring mothers to reconnect with their own creativity, share experiences, and support each other in a nurturing environment." – Jaz   

All participants will receive an art pack at the start of the workshops, so they are able to continue being creative at home.   

Support with Child Care  

A crèche service will be provided so everyone can get a bit of a break from being mum. The sessions will be set up in the Strathearn Arts main auditorium with the adjoining side area set up as a creche and left open and visible to the mums. The crèche will be free and staffed by qualified childcare/nursery practitioners.

Connecting the Community

During the sessions we will also signpost mothers to important local services like the Remake Repair Café, Crieff School Uniform Bank, Crieff Community Garden’s food scheme, Crieff Connexions, and PKC’s lifelong learning courses. To do this we will provide a ‘Support Bank’ that summarises all the available health and social services, community groups, courses, opportunities and other support in our area that is available to mothers, women and families. 

Reaching New Mums  

We intend to reach new mums in South Crieff by working with Health Visitors and other community health practitioners who visit new mothers at home. We will also advertise these workshops through GP surgeries, dentists, the local Social Prescriber, PKC Association of Voluntary Services (PKAVS), Stronger Communities Network, and existing mother and baby groups like Breast Buddies, Singing Mamas and Bumps to Tots. 

Many people believe the ‘arts are not for them’ or may feel a bit intimidated, so we will hold the first workshop at a venue like Crieff Connexions’ Community Café, where Jaz can demonstrate some of the activities and participants can see what to expect. The rest of the workshops will take place in our auditorium space with break-out café and crèche areas.  

What we can do with this funding  

Currently, Crieff residents must travel 20+ miles to access similar creative support services. This isn’t realistic for many young, new and single mothers. Mums Meet & Make will specifically support mothers in our area who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to take part in creative activities.   

• Free to attend and all materials provided;  
• Weekly workshops will run for 20 weeks from April – August 2025  
• Space for 15 participants in each class;  
• We will employ two nursery carers and hire/purchase equipment for our crèche;  
• Lunch, snacks and tea/coffee for participants provided free of charge;  
• Led by a professional artist with lots of experience working with people from all backgrounds;  
• Two sessions with a mental health professional on journaling for mental health and wellbeing. 

2025 will be our fourth year running our Back to School Pack. In 2021 we provided 152 packs, in 2022 - 340, in 2023 - 400, and in 2024 we provided 512 Back to School Packs and 91 Back to Nursery Packs (our first year running this service). Our Packs are available to anyone who lives in these wards.

What is in a Back to School Pack? 

Our packs include 3 shirts, 2 bottoms, 2 jumpers/cardis, 2 PE t shirts, 2 PE bottoms, a PE jumper and a school bag. We also aim to include school shoes and/or trainers plus stationary and other back to school essentials like pack lunch boxes or pencil cases. Everything a child needs for taking part in their school journey. 

What is in a Back to Nursery Pack?

Our Back to Nursery packs include 5 days of mix and match outfits; 5 jumpers, 5 t-shirts, 5 bottoms, messy play clothing, a seasonal jacket and footwear. We also add in extras such as sun hats, vests and socks as we know children need these items to fully participate in their learning and no one comes home clean after one day in nursery!

Packs are personalised to each schools colours and the child’s style preferences (so you can tell us if they won’t wear shorts, or will only wear cardigans!) and their sensory needs to make sure the packs are made to suit the individual. We also ask for bag colours and characters and try our hardest to match up to their personal style. We believe our service should make the child feel confident and comfortable that they match their peers. 

SO IF YOU THINK THAT...

- All children should have access to high quality school uniform?

- We should protect our environment and make positive pre-loved clothing choices? 

- By making little changes to our own lifestyle to support others we can make big changes for the future of our children?

Then please support us by voting for our Back to School & Nursery Pack project.  Thank you.

Team Social Flock

We are exploring the possibility of this funding to try and offer children from Rattray some fun activities. These activities will offer far more than fun, opportunities to learn or improve on skills, fitness, be part of a team, work on respect, nature, environment, self-confidence all at their own pace and learning ability.

At Mantalk we have a lot of men coming through our doors with issues that stem from childhood. We are big believers that the more positivity you can give to children can help them them right throughout life. Whilst we are unable to accommodate them at our group we are always looking at ways where we can offer some help and support.

We talk about our own childhood experiences and when things like activities or sport camps came up many of us missed out because our parents couldn’t afford to pay the costs. From our own experiences during childhood we wouldn’t wish that feeling on any child but due to the cost of living we know there will be many children in similar positions. If we are successful then these spaces will be offered to any child in Rattray for free on a variety of activity days during the school holidays including paintball, cycling, football, rugby and archery.  We will partner with Albert Douglas of AK Paintball, Piotr Gudan of Outdoor explore and Cally Gordons activity camps to deliver these activities to the children of Rattray.

Facilitating the engagement in meaningful and therapeutic activities (horticulture, woodwork, gastronomy, exercise and movement, nutrition and arts), we aim for people to have better physical, emotional and mental wellbeing; to have better connections with the wider community; and to gain access to new skills and training which will help them move on to positive destinations. We can work with anyone aged 16+ who is reporting difficulties with their mental health and wellbeing.

This grant would be meaningfully utilised to support hall hire costs at St Catharine’s, Blairgowrie, for a period of 45 weeks. The provision of this grant will allow us to continue (and expand) our weekly yoga and movement sessions without any direct implications on the charity’s restricted budget. It will also prevent clients being required to make a direct contribution, which has historically highlighted financial limitations and subsequent disengagement. From a cost of living perspective, we feel this pressure is likely contributing to already existing financial stress. Covering these costs would alleviate this pressure and allow clients to engage in this form of therapeutic activity without any financial burden. The provision of hall hire costs would therefore provide a more equitable approach. For 45 weeks of the year we will facilitate yoga and movement sessions for up to 12 clients (per session). Attendees will be registered mental health and wellbeing clients within our Blairgowrie & Rattray community. We will take an intergenerational care approach for these sessions, meaning clients of all ages (16+) will be welcomed and encouraged to participate together. Sessions will run for 45 minutes and will be facilitated by a team member who has varied qualifications in yoga and Pilates (City and Guilds Teaching Qualification, 1993; British School of Yoga and other movement therapies, 2000; Pilates Level 3, 2016).