Published Date: 26th May 2022 | Location: Faifley

I first came across the Leamy Foundation when I attended one of their Learn and Grow family sessions at Auchnacraig ELCC. Along with the children and staff, we were kept busy planting and eventually harvesting fruit and veg.

It was so relaxed, I kept coming back which resulted in a chat with Kevin at the Leamy who wanted me to help deliver activities for the children. That first visit led to me working with the Leamy for almost 4 years, delivering social wellbeing and Learn and Grow activities as well as building many Learn and Grow resources in schools and communities throughout West Dunbartonshire. We came together as parents to set up the Muddy Fingers group.

Living in Faifley, it's fair to say that there is a lack of positive social activities for residents, of all ages. I had been keen to explore the possibility of setting up new activities in Faifley and with the Leamy's encouragement and support. I started to reach out to other Faifley residents to see if there was an agreed need and demand.

All this has led to the creation of our Flourishing Faifley project, we have a management committee, partners like Community Links Scotland and Knowes Housing Association. The Leamy Foundation obtained £35K funding which helped to create the 'Secret garden' a new community space for Faifley residents.

Leamy have given us the confidence to go for it, to set up our group, to have confidence in ourselves. As well as bringing funding investment, they've created Community surveys and project job descriptions. They have help us to connected to people in WDC and support organisations helping residents and neighbours create new resources for Faifley.

Resident visitors and volunteers are totally committed to Flourishing Faifley. Jackie Lorimer of Faifley Community Council underpins this commitment 'Flourishing Faifley Is exactly what the community of Faifley need and came at a time where people were giving up on community spirit and resources ever coming back to the community. Now we are at the front delivering positive things in the community.'

Faifley residents are managing improvement their lives and their communities.

Find out more at Flourishing Faifley | Facebook