Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre receives double whammy of donations to continue their work

Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre have received a £26,684 grant from Inspiring Scotland and a £200 gift from a local couple in what has been described as a heartwarming double whammy for the centre.

Doreen and Roddy Scott enjoying a drink as a happy couple

The funds were granted so that Goodtrees could partner with Reel Youth Media in delivering digital workshops for local young people.

Inspiring Scotland will support the workshop programme and fund the purchase of a range of digital hardware and software like iMacs, cameras, audio and video equipment for young people to learn to use.

Digital poverty is seen as one of the most pressing issues of society today and Goodtrees believe this funding will go a long way in tackling the problem in their area.

Letter sent to GNC by the couple

John Beatson, programme manager at Goodtrees, said: “We applied to Inspiring Scotland’s Creative Communities programme, which was heavily oversubscribed so we were delighted to be given our full award which will allow us to deliver a year long programme of creative workshops with the young people and can facilitate a creative hub at the centre with Reel Youth Media.

“This, alongside the BBC Children in Need and smaller pockets of funding, will allow us to provide bespoke programmes of creative workshops with young people. Offering structured learning which will develop skills, build confidence and provide a safe and secure creative space for young people.”

The young people have created partnerships and inspired many across the capital with their campaign for more funding that fell on deaf ears at Edinburgh City Council.

John added: “We were disappointed at the chronic underfunding of services and lack of investment in Liberton/Gilmerton from CEC. However, the fantastic campaign from young people challenging this at committee and the work they have done to serve the community has really helped raise the profile of our centre. Although the campaign didn’t bring in extra funds from the local authority, it was not in vain.

“We speak a lot about being situated in an area of deprivation, but we are always blown away by the support of local people to go the extra mile and make this work possible. There is a real sense of community here, and a desire to help others. It really is a real community effort. Doreen and Roddy’s contribution was so much more than a cheque - it’s that moral boost which keeps us going to do more.”

Roddy, a Royal Mail driver and Doreen, a senior fraud analyst at RBS, had been at a loss for what to get for their Ruby anniversary, so they asked for friends and family to donate to Alzheimer's Scotland and Goodtrees.

Roddy said: “We had planned to have a big party to celebrate our 40 wedding anniversary. But unfortunately because of the pandemic that had to be cancelled. So we decided that as we have a very large garden we would have it there, with family and very close friends. Everyone kept asking ‘what can we get you as a present?’ If the truth be told: what do you give a couple that have been married for 40 years? We were delighted to be able to give each charity £200 each, all thanks to the generosity of our wonderful family and friends.

“As for the secret of a happy marriage ? It's quite simple, love and understanding each other.”

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