AN ONLINE crowdfunder has been launched to secure a Helensburgh community group’s buy-out of a vital town hub.

The Helensburgh Community Hall project is aiming to raise £10,000 in less than six months to complement a recent grant from the Scottish Land Fund (SLF) and purchase the Red Cross hall in East Princes Street.

As reported by the Advertiser, the SLF awarded the group almost £160,000, which makes up 95 per cent of the total required to seal the transfer of ownership from the British Red Cross into the hands of the community. And group members are appealing for Helensburgh residents to help them complete the final stage of the process.

Jean Senior, trustee of Helensburgh Community Hall Ltd, said: “To raise the extra £10k we are launching a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign. Search ‘Help Helensburgh Have a Hub’ on gofundme.com.

READ MORE: Joy for Helensburgh community group as £160k funding secures hall buy-out

“In addition to looking for funding, we are also looking to increase our membership.

“Becoming a member is free and showing your support by becoming a member will, amongst other things, allow you to contribute to our future direction and help us secure further grant funding from elsewhere.

“We appreciate these are difficult times for many financially, so even if you can’t donate, by becoming a member you will be helping us fulfil our vision.”

If you’re interested in becoming a member, email helensburghcommunityhall@gmail.com and you’ll be sent a membership form.

The facility is currently used by Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank, while a weekly book sale also runs alongside meetings and events at the venue.

READ MORE: Community group gets £117,000 grant to buy Helensburgh woodland

Jean added: “Our vision is to create a vibrant community hub in Helensburgh.

“This will be a welcoming space where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

“We will provide opportunities for people to socialise, volunteer and participate in activities that promote the health and wellbeing of the local community.

“The services that we will deliver once we have the development manager in post will be led by the community. However we will ensure there is provision of a range of inclusive activities that can be accessed by those who might otherwise be excluded due to health, capacity or financial constraints.

“We will also seek to enhance self-esteem and reduce social isolation, improve social cohesion and equality of opportunity for all citizens.

“By raising the extra £10k we hope to turn this vision into reality.”

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