Women’s group benefits from Community Investment Fund
A North Coast women’s group dedicated to supporting women to have fun, form lasting friendships and experience lifelong learning is flourishing thanks to a recent funding boost.
In the spotlight ahead of this year’s International Women’s Day on 8 March, the Largs Scottish Women’s Institute (Largs SWI) secured over £15,000 from the council’s Community Investment Fund following a Cabinet Meeting in April 2024 when their proposal was put forward by the North Coast Locality Partnership.
Based at the A D Cameron Centre in Largs, the community group have used the significant funding boost since then to expand their reach to women in Largs and beyond.
Quote: Our group was established by women, for women and our ultimate goal is to take women on a journey of growth, laughter and friendship. With the help of North Coast Locality Partnership, we were fortunate enough to receive £15,393 from North Ayrshire Council’s Community Investment Fund. We are so thankful for their guidance and support throughout our expansion.
Quote from: Sharon Murdoch, Committee Member from Largs SWI
Sharon added: “We look forward to continuing to work together to create even more opportunities in the North Coast for women to thrive and more importantly embrace the power of being their true and powerful selves.
"Not only has the funding helped us to become more self-sufficient, supporting us with running costs over the next two years, we have also been able to use the boost to diversify the events we can offer, establish a weekly sewing group and collaborate with Clyde Coast and Cumbraes Men’s Shed on woodworking courses for women.
"On behalf of our volunteers and the locality partnership who work tirelessly all year round to support our communities, ahead of this International Women’s Day (8 March) we would like to share a huge thank you to the inspirational women who make our group as special as it is."
Part of the Scottish Women’s Institute, the Largs Scottish Women’s Institute is one of the largest SWI groups in Scotland with over 40 members. With a rich history in our communities, lifelong learning is at the heart of all Scottish Women’s Institute groups, with more than 500 groups operating across Scotland.
Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands, has hailed the community group for the impact they are making in the North Coast.
He said: “Largs Scottish Women’s Institute are a relatively new group, formed in May 2023, however the impact they have made so far has been tremendous and it is only right that we shine a spotlight on them this International Women’s Day - a day to celebrate women's achievements and to raise awareness of the challenges they face.
“The work they are doing in increasing the confidence of their members and helping them to forge deep and meaningful, lifelong connections with like-minded women is truly inspirational.
“Well done to all the volunteers who are helping Largs Scottish Women’s Institute to become one of the most prominent community groups in the area. It is also brilliant to see the fantastic collaboration between them, the North Coast Locality Partnership who were incremental in securing the funding, and the communities of Largs and beyond.
“The Community Investment Fund is a brilliant example of community empowerment in action and the work of Largs SWI is at the forefront of supporting the North Coast locality priorities of increasing social inclusion and improving mental health and wellbeing.
“I look forward to hearing about the exciting events and projects on the horizon for Largs Scottish Women’s Institute over the next year.”
Visit the SWI website for more information. More information on the funding available in North Ayrshire can be found online.
Published: 05 March 2025