We are delighted to announce that Tagsa has been awarded a further year’s funding of £23,479 from the Scottish Government’s Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund (SIAL).
This project has been so valued by all of the participants who have been involved in regular Tagsa House Ceilidhs, Health Walks, and Gardening Club. The wider community has also benefitted through dementia friendly community training which has opened up vital conversations about social inclusion and participation for people living with dementia. In Uist, which has a very high proportion of people aged 65+ living alone, this funding is truly a lifeline. Uist’s unique geography can often make accessing services a challenge, leading to a loss of independence, social connection, and physical activity. With this continued support, and in collaboration with Tagsa’s Community Transport, our team will be able to continue to reduce isolation and loneliness and to enhance wellbeing, connection, and resilience.
Our monthly ceilidhs will continue to bring people together for music, dance, and Gaelic storytelling, connecting with our traditions and language. These sessions are now intergenerational, encouraging people of all ages to join in. Physical activity is a powerful tool against isolation and our regular programme of health walks, and the Gardening Club will continue to offer an enjoyable and social way to stay active and connected. Tagsa’s Community Gardens are a wonderful place for these activities, and the Gardening Club are already planting seeds for a plentiful harvest of nutritious vegetables later in the year. This reflects our commitment to making the Gardens a welcoming, inclusive and dynamic space for all.
Catriona MacInnes, Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager said ‘This funding allows us to continue our mission of supporting people of all stages in life to be active, socially connected and living their lives to the full, as valued members of the community’.
Chris MacLullich, CEO also stated ‘Tagsa is incredibly grateful to the Scottish Government for this extra year of funding. Our team have achieved so much over the last three years and know the deep value of supporting people to spend time together, to be active and to express themselves’.