Tollcross Community Trust

An organisation which supports the people of Tollcross by providing information on jobs, finance and education, has been given a boost from a Scotland-wide community funding scheme.

Tollcross Community Trust has received funding from the Ross and Liddell community bursary scheme – a project which provides support to organisations all over the country.

The Trust supports people of all ages by providing information and advice on benefits and debt, education and learning, and employability skills at its base in Tollcross Advice and Learning Centre.

The centre runs a full programme of computer classes, CV building and job search clubs, and advice surgeries and also operates a credit union.  

The funding received from property management company Ross and Liddell will help the Trust to grow and develop the services it provides, and will also be used to build on its already successful events programme, which includes Book Week, Unity in the Community and Tidy Tollcross Together.

George Nixon, Treasurer of the Trust, said: “The Trust is such an important resource in this community. It provides people with the skills needed to move forward into the next chapter of their life and also promotes social interaction. We’re led by the needs of the people who come along and we’ll support them in every way we can.

“We have a great group with us at the moment and we always welcome more members, and more volunteers to help with information sessions and events.  

“The funding received from Ross and Liddell is greatly appreciated and will help us to further develop the services we provide and strengthen our events programme.”

The Trust was set up eight years ago and was awarded a charitable status in 2008 for the work it does in and around Tollcross – an area with high unemployment rates and social deprivation. It also works closely with Tollcross Housing Association.

Ross and Liddell specialises in property management and maintenance, as well as providing a comprehensive range of residential and commercial services, including sales, lettings, surveying and insurance.

Now in its sixth year, the Community Bursary Scheme was launched to provide support to organisations all over Scotland that make a vital difference in their community.

Tollcross Community Trust is one of 33 groups to receive funding in this bursary year.

Irene Devenny, managing director of Ross and Liddell, said: “We’re very proud to be providing funding to groups all over Scotland in this year’s community bursary scheme.

“It’s so important that organisations like Tollcross Community Trust have access to funding to ensure that people of all ages who need advice on important life issues receive the help they need.

“We are thrilled to offer our support and know that the funding will be put to good use.”