Bank of Scotland Foundation Grant Awarded

Waverley Care is one of the first charities to benefit from Bank of Scotland Foundation grants

Waverley Care has been given a donation of £20,000 in the first round of awards from the Small Grants Programme of the Bank of Scotland Foundation.

The grant will help fund our advocacy and information service, a project which has recently seen a substantial increase in demand as a result of both the recession and changes in benefits legislation. As well as broad-based advice on financial matters, the project also provides support in the areas of testing and treatments for HIV and Hepatitis C.

In addition to the award made through the Bank of Scotland Foundation's Small Grants programme, Waverley Care have benefited from a further £1,000 claimed by Lloyds Banking Group staff through the Foundation's Matched Giving Programme. The programme encourages Lloyds Banking Group staff to become active in the community by providing matched giving for their charitable fundraising efforts and time given to charity.

Lloyds Banking Group staff have volunteered in various projects for Waverley Care over a number of years, including decorating and gardening at Waverley Care’s residential unit and the installation of a pond in their allotment.

A number of dress-down days have helped both to raise money towards the charity’s ongoing work and to resource the volunteering activities and staff have also helped with bucket-shaking during the Edinburgh Fringe and at other times of the year.

David Johnson, Director of Waverley Care, said: “There is a clear need for a specialist and confidential information and advocacy service for people living with HIV and Hepatitis C. The stigma of these conditions means that service users are often unable to speak openly and consequently they can be isolated and reluctant to engage with mainstream services. We are extremely grateful to the Bank of Scotland Foundation for this very generous donation and to Lloyds Banking Group staff for their loyal and continuing support.”

Kate Guthrie, Chair of the Bank of Scotland Foundation said: “We’ve had a fantastic response to the Small Grants Programme and are delighted to make these first awards to very deserving organisations such as Waverley Care. We know this award will bring valuable support for people living with HIV."