News

Press Releases

ALL WRAPPED UP WITH SCARF IN DUNDEE

Dundee voluntary group Zoom is just one of the projects in the spotlight at an event set to relaunch the Scottish Community Action Research Fund (SCARF) in the city today.

Deputy Communities Minister Johann Lamont is in Dundee to relaunch the fund which helps community groups to carry out their own research into local issues.

A number of groups which have previously benefited from the fund, financed by Communities Scotland, will also be on hand at the event as part of a SCARF ‘fayre’.

The groups will offer advice to potential applicants and showcase the results of their own research into important local issues.

The Zoom project used the fund to carry out research into the local natural environment. This allowed them to successfully apply for £30,000 in funding to better understand and manage the natural habitats of Broughty Ferry beach.

The SCARF fund was originally launched in 2002. Recent research supported its continuation and found it brought benefits for participants in the shape of improved confidence, skills, relationships, knowledge and increased community participation.

Relaunching the fund Ms Lamont said: “The Scottish Community Action Research Fund allows research to be carried out by communities, for communities, as they continue to build valuable knowledge and experience.

“The research has covered subjects that can have an impact on people such as drugs, employment opportunities or the environment.

“SCARF contributes directly to building skills and resources within communities so that people can engage with public bodies, using evidence they have gathered to support their case.

“SCARF has already supported 100 projects across Scotland. Many of these have used their research to make a real difference in their communities. I am delighted to see its re-launch here today which will allow even more community organisations to benefit.”

FURTHER INFORMATION

1. The projects represented at the SCARF fayre are:

§ REACH

§ Inverclyde Tourist Group

§ Zoom

§ Motivators Angus Project

§ Mothers against Drugs

§ Fullerton Community Health House

§ PRYDE

§ Our Story Scotland

§ Grampian Opportunities

§ Queensferry Community Care Project

§ Drugs Misuse in Nithsdale

§ Augment Project

Communities Scotland was abolished on 1 April 2008. This is an archived site and the contents may no longer be accurate. If you are looking for information about housing and regeneration, please visit www.scotland.gov.uk For information about regulation and inspection, please visit www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk.