A Larkhall children and young people's charity has been recognised for "continued excellence" for how they've adapted their work throughout the challenges of the pandemic.
Volunteers at The Machan Trust were congratulated by Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon who paid a special visit to staff at their Summer Hub at Craigbank Primary School.
The charity was recently recognised by Volunteer Action South Lanarkshire (VASLAN) for continued excellence in sustaining their volunteer friendly high standards, prompting the Scottish Labour politician to find out more about their efforts.
During the pandemic, the trust quickly adapted their ways of working, broadening the diversity of roles volunteers undertake in the organisation, including delivering youth groups over Zoom.
The move to mostly online working was accompanied by a renewed focus on volunteer emotional wellbeing, from hosting online social events and quizzes to delivering thank you parcels to the volunteer team.
Interim CEO of the trust, Fiona Dryburgh, told Lanarkshire Live : “It was fantastic to have Monica visit the summer hub.
"It is encouraging for our staff and volunteers to know a local MSP has been able to appreciate first-hand the work that we undertake.
“We support and inspire children, young people, and families to thrive.
"We have an excellent staff and volunteer team and have been able to diversify and develop our approach throughout the pandemic to provide breakfast clubs, breakfast deliveries, save the children grants and targeted activities throughout the whole summer holidays.”
Monica was impressed by the charity's work as she showed her support the good causes of Larkhall.
She told us: “It was a pleasure to visit the Machan Trust’s summer hub at Craigbank Primary and see the children and volunteers in action.
“The way the charity has adapted during the pandemic is impressive, and it’s great to see experienced and new volunteers being nurtured and supported to make a big impact on the lives of children, young people and families in Larkhall.
“Charities like Machan Trust deserve to be properly funded, as they are trusted in our local community and deliver vital services.
"I congratulate the staff and volunteers on delivering a successful summer hub in challenging circumstances, and I hope the children will enjoy using their new skills when they return to school.”
