Project Overview
Project name: LIFT DG Community Connection Programme
Organisation/group: LIFT DG CIC
Location: Lochside and Lincluden
Grant awarded: £8,750 (May 2024) and £17,500 (October 2025)
Project delivery period: May 2024 – September 2026
Theme/priority area: Wellbeing, community resilience and tackling poverty
The community need
Lochside and Lincluden are among the most deprived areas in Scotland, with many families facing rising living costs, social isolation and limited access to affordable activities. For many residents, particularly those experiencing financial hardship, opportunities for days out, creative learning or respite breaks are simply not accessible.
Families often face difficult choices between paying essential bills and meeting everyday needs, leaving little scope for leisure activities or social experiences. This can lead to isolation for both children and adults, reduced wellbeing and fewer opportunities for learning and personal development.
Local feedback from residents, schools, social workers and health professionals highlighted the need for accessible, community-led activities that could bring people together, build skills and provide practical support.
The project
With support from the Annandale and Nithsdale Community Benefit Fund, LIFT DG delivered a wide-ranging programme of events, activities and support initiatives designed to strengthen community wellbeing and inclusion.
Activities included:
- Free community events and family trips throughout the year
- Creative workshops at the newly developed Art Lab community hub
- Development of a community garden and food-growing activities
- Respite breaks for families and carers through the Caravan Project in Southerness
- Seasonal events and community celebrations
- Volunteer training and personal development opportunities
The Art Lab (a refurbished portacabin with electricity, water and disabled access) became a creative hub for workshops including signwriting, woodworking and cooking sessions. Many activities focused on intergenerational learning, bringing together young people and adults to share skills and experiences.
The programme was delivered by LIFT’s staff team and more than 80 volunteers, working closely with local schools, social work services, NHS partners and other community organisations.
Outcomes and impact – the difference it made
The programme has had a significant positive impact on local families and individuals, helping reduce isolation and creating opportunities for connection, creativity and rest.
Through free activities and inclusive community spaces, residents were able to build new skills, develop friendships and access support networks. The caravan respite breaks offered families and carers a chance to recharge in a supportive environment away from daily pressures.
More than 3,500 people have benefited from the project so far.
Impact highlights:
- 3,500+ residents engaged in activities and events
- Creative workshops supporting confidence, skills and wellbeing
- Community garden promoting food growing, biodiversity and green skills
- Free caravan breaks providing respite for families and carers
- Increased volunteering and personal development opportunities
In the longer term, the programme has strengthened community connections, increased participation in local initiatives and helped build resilience among residents facing financial and social challenges.
In December 2025, LIFT DG’s community Art Cabin won the accolade of Best Creative Regeneration category at the SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration.
Voices from the community
Angela Gilmour, managing director at LIFT DG, said: “Deprivation is a massive challenge in our area and there is an overwhelming demand for our services. Our goal is to make sure everyone in the community has opportunities to connect, learn and enjoy new experiences, regardless of their circumstances. This funding has helped us remove barriers to accessing services, and created spaces where people feel supported, valued and part of something positive.”
Looking ahead
LIFT DG plans to continue and expand the programme through a combination of funding partnerships, community support and volunteer involvement. A three-year funding strategy is in place to help sustain activities and respond to emerging needs.
Future plans include further development of the community garden, expansion of creative workshops at the Art Lab and continued delivery of the caravan respite programme. The organisation will also keep strengthening partnerships with schools, health services and local groups to ensure support reaches those who need it most.
Why Annandale and Nithsdale Community Benefit Fund matters
Community benefit funding plays a vital role in supporting grassroots organisations like LIFT DG that work directly with people experiencing poverty and isolation.
By enabling free activities, events and respite opportunities, the Fund helps create stronger, healthier and more connected communities across Annandale and Nithsdale.
Find out more
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/LIFTDG