News / Local projects benefit from SSEN resilience funding
THE LOCAL British Red Cross branch has been given £10,000 from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) to help run its patient transport and emergency response vehicle for the two next years.
The money comes from SSEN’s resilient communities fund, which is paying out nearly £265,000 this year to a range of community groups and charities across Scotland.
The fund is also providing the Uyeasound hall in Unst with £7,800 to upgrade its facilities to create an “emergency hub” for the community, while the Fetlar Community Association is getting just over £4,700 to do the same for its island.
SSEN’s resilient communities fund aims to boost projects which help vulnerable or isolated people to ensure they are supported during significant emergency events.
British Red Cross’ independent living service manager for Shetland Nicola Stove said the funding is good news for the charity.
“This means we can continue supporting vulnerable individuals with vital transport needs and also play an effective part in supporting the wider community resilience of Shetland at times of emergency and preparing for emergencies, working with our many partners on the island, including SSEN,” she said.
SSEN’s operations manager for Shetland George Priest said the fund is a “vital” way to help communities develop resilience plans for times of bad weather.
“As a responsible operator, by proactively supporting local resilience projects we can truly make a difference to the communities we serve and this collaborative approach is essential to support our customers during network outages,” he added.
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