Grant really got us going!

The Neighbourhood Partnership community grants fund can award small grants of up to £5,000 to constituted groups for local activity that benefits the community, and applying for one couldn’t be easier.

Craigmount High School pipe band was awarded £4,000 at the end of April.

Angela McNaughton, fundraising community secretary, talked about the application process.

How did you find out about the grant?

We found information on the community grants on the Neighbourhood Partnership website. I started conversations with Jim Conner, the partnership development officer, filled in the application and then he helped me to tweak a few things on the form. A decision was made at a Neighbourhood Partnership meeting and we were told we had been successful a few weeks later.

How did you find the application process?

The application process was quite straight-forward. There was nothing problematic and Jim really helped with the process. I’d recommend people to go for it if they want to apply.

How will you use the grant?

We are a competing band and take part in ten competitions a year across the UK. For the kids taking part, being part of the pipe band fosters a sense of team work as well as enhancing music skills. We need funds to pay for the transport to get to these places and we also want to provide T-shirts for the kids to wear.

There are 14 pipers, three tenor drums and eight learners who are progressing but are not quite onto the pipes. My son Craig is also a piper in the band.

 Your local partnership development officer (PDO): Jim Conner

How long have you been a PDO and what is your background?

I have been a PDO since July of last year. My background is in social housing, firstly with Scottish Homes and then with housing associations.

What does your role involve?

It’s really about impressing on residents that we view them as ‘people’ and that they have a professional organisation working on their behalf.

What are the challenges and the best things about your job?

Neighbourhood Partnerships are still relatively unknown to many residents, so the biggest challenge is to spread the message. The positives about my job are the people I work with, who are always supportive and have a sense of humour. And, the physical attractiveness of the areas I work in: Almond and Western Edinburgh.

Do you have a particularly proud moment?

I administer the community grants fund. This means you meet a fair cross section of the community and I am constantly pleased and proud when someone phones to thank me for my help in getting a grant.

How can the community become involved with the Neighbourhood Partnership?

The Neighbourhood Partnerships are offering residents a bigger say and a chance for more involvement than any other local authority that I know. I think it’s striking the balance – making that offer of involvement at a level a person is comfortable with.

What would you like to see happening in Almond and Western Edinburgh in the future?

We have a three-year programme that should realise a steadily increasing knowledge in our communities of what Neighbourhood Partnerships are about.

We need to be flexible and if something isn’t working, let’s adapt or change –most of all, stay positive!

Read more about how Jim helped the Craigmount High School pipe band. Log on to www.edinburghnp.org.uk