Places for People Scotland Secures £170,000 National Lottery Funding to Expand Community Support in Craigmillar
06 February 2025
Places for People Scotland is delighted to announce that The Places Foundation, the charitable arm of Places for People, has been awarded £170,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund in Scotland to enhance and expand services at the Hays Community Hub over the next three years.
The funding will enable the Hub to strengthen its role as a vital resource for the Craigmillar community, one of Scotland’s most deprived areas*, by addressing local needs through a diverse range of activities and tailored support programmes.
With the new funding, Places for People Scotland will employ a dedicated full-time Community Worker who will coordinate activities and build partnerships so the programme remains community-led. The Community Worker will also focus on expanding volunteering opportunities, increasing sessions for physical and mental health, and developing services for young people and families.
Marcus Hulme, Director of Places Impact at Places for People, said: “We believe thriving, resilient communities are built on strong foundations of support and accessible resources. This funding from the National Lottery Community Fund is a significant investment in the wellbeing of our Craigmillar customers, enabling us to expand vital services at the Hub.
“We’re not only fostering a sense of belonging and ownership but also ensuring everyone has access to the tools they need to thrive. Together, we’re creating a powerful safety net that strengthens community bonds and opens doors to life-changing opportunities.”
Kate Still, Chair of the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland, commented: “Every day National Lottery funding is changing the lives of thousands of people in communities across Scotland. This project, delivered by The Places Foundation, is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause or to help others.
“National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is helping to support this vital work, which is making a real difference to so many.”
Situated in the heart of Craigmillar, Hays Community Hub operates in partnership with local voluntary and community sector organisations (VCSOs). The Hub provides a welcoming space where residents can connect and learn, helping them to thrive. From April to June 2024 alone, the Hub welcomed 792 attendees, who participated in activities ranging from the Community Pantry and older people’s social groups to wellbeing classes, youth programmes, and refugee support groups.
One Hub user said: “The community really comes together for each other. My wellbeing has improved so much since coming to the Hub.”
The funding comes at a vital time as Craigmillar faces significant challenges, ranking in the top 5% of Scotland’s most deprived areas according to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation**. Furthermore, the latest Places for People’s annual wellbeing survey highlighted that 36% of Places for People Scotland customers report financial struggles, compared to 19% across Great Britain, and 13% have experienced food insecurity.
The funding will allow the Hub to continue to support social integration, boost community resilience, and provide life-changing opportunities for residents. Importantly, it will also help foster a sense of ownership among the community, encouraging residents to lead their own social action projects and co-create programmes that meet their needs.
The Hays Community Hub, with its proven track record of success and strong community trust, is well-positioned to further its mission of building a brighter future for Craigmillar.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
*https://simd.scot/#/simd2020/BTTTFTT/14/-3.1403/55.9305/