| About us | Vision – Building stronger, resilient, children, families, and communities. Mission – ''Working together with communities, we support and inspire children, young people, and families to thrive.'’ Values – Dignity, Inclusion, Respect The Machan Trust is a long standing, highly respected local charity based in Larkhall working with the community, including disadvantaged children, young people, and families in Larkhall and surrounding areas, focusing on Hareleeshill, Strutherhill, Stonehouse and Netherburn. We are open to all, and this includes work with the most deprived 5% - 20% of the community. Our ethos is to be inclusive, therefore removing any stigma and working for the whole community, not just some members. Through fun and interactive activities, we work to raise aspirations, develop social skills, and teach new skills, building strong relationships and resilience for any challenges faced. We provide food at every activity. We run breakfast, lunch, after school and family groups. We also work with many ethnic minorities and with the LGBTQI+ community. Our work is diverse and includes working with families from Nigeria, Poland, Sri Lanka, Italy, Ukraine and from the Gypsy / traveller Community. We engage with children, young people, and families within the local community, working hard in our outreach, to meet people where they are. We work with many families who are isolated and many who are affected by social anxiety and mental health issues. We are keen to meet the increasing demand for our activities. We currently work with around 800 people a week, over 52 weekly groups and with around an additional 250 children who attend our breakfast clubs. Our groups provide a warm space, food, and activities and are open to all. We provide early intervention activities and work with schools to address any gaps they feel are present. Our family work includes crafts, cooking, first aid, sensory activities, music and movement and mental health support. We provide supported volunteering opportunities for the local community and university placements as well as employability support for young people and those who have left school also. We provide breakfast, lunch, after-school, and evening groups throughout the community. We run badminton clubs and if funding allows, we run day trips to climbing facilities, parks, beaches etc. We have – • Volunteer friendly, continued excellence (over 12 years) award. • Scottish LGBTQI+ Rainbow Mark • Signed up to the ASH charter. • Trained staff and volunteers in LGBTQI+ inclusion, mental health first aid, first aid, and many other training courses.
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