Cambuslang community group set to merge

Oct 6 2010 by Will Henshaw, Rutherglen Reformer

CAMBUSLANG community group Create are set to merge under a new initiative by the Scottish Government.

Under the scheme volunteer organisations will merge throughout Scotland, making it easier for groups to apply for funding and giving more opportunities to workers and volunteers.

This will mean that Community Matters, who operate under Create, will also have more opportunities to gain funding.

In 2008 the Scottish Government announced plans to create Third Sector Interfaces in each local authority area across Scotland by 2010-11.

Voluntary organisation will merge by county, meaning that Create will combine with follow South Lanarkshire groups CVS Hamilton and Solve to form VASLAN (Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire).

Although there is not a set date for the merge it is expected to go ahead in December or January.

Heather Petrie of Create explained: “Due to the changes with the Scottish Government you get better, improved services for CVSs and volunteer centres.

“They are integrating by region across Scotland and Create are integrating into the new organisation which will be VASLAN.

“It will provide a much better service for the whole of South Lanarkshire, that includes things like volunteering and helping groups to get funding.”

The news also secures the future of Community Matters on Rutherglen Main Street. The store was struggling to find funding, however VASLAN will give more opportunities to apply for funds.

Heather explained: “Since it’s going to be a much bigger organisation it means that other funding opportunities will open up, which, at the moment, we’re restricted from.

“It gives the hub a larger pot of money as the three organisations pulling together will give better funding opportunities.”