COMMUNITY projects across Bute and Cowal have hailed the contribution of council funding after their initiatives came to an end.
A report has revealed that hundreds of residents benefited from projects supported by Argyll and Bute Council’s supporting communities fund in 2024/25, including nearly 500 who took part in first aid training.
Three defibrillators were also installed at Cairndow Village Hall, while Crossroads Caring for Carers’ summer programme saw 140 residents benefit.
The details feature in a report to go before the council’s Bute and Cowal area committee at its meeting on Tuesday, June 2.
Heartstart Cowal reported: “We were able to run all the courses to [the] general public that were booked in the year. Over the period we trained 492 adults and children in schools, other organisations and public venues in first on scene lifesaving methods.”
On the defibrillator, a Cairndow Village Hall spokesperson said: “Three community defibrillators have been operational since the date of funding and have been used on several occasions within the community.
“Lifesaving equipment in the community is essential due to the remoteness of the village from any local hospitals or GP facilities. Also [there is an] aging population within the village.”
A spokesperson for Crossroads Caring for Carers Cowal and Bute said: “Our summer programme is always very popular showing consistent engagement by young carers across all summer activities and trips.
“Through informal chats and observations by staff they noticed increased confidence and a willingness to take part and try new things.
“By using post-it notes and feedback forms to ask how they enjoyed the activities we were able to learn that the young carers felt more relaxed, less isolated and had benefitted from their time away from the demands of their caring role.
“Parents also reported that they noticed an improvement in their child’s overall wellbeing. They stated that the children appeared more relaxed and less stressed.”
In total, the supporting communities fund assisted 17 organisations in Bute and Cowal in 2024/25, with a total of £30,176 made available. The maximum grant that could be applied for was £2,500.
