The Royal Foundation's Community Impact Programme has announced grants for two key community spaces on the Isle of Mull, providing improved facilities for thousands of residents.
The announcement coincides with the Prince and Princess of Wales visiting the Isles of Mull and Iona to celebrate and connect with rural island communities.
The grants will enable the renovation of Aros Hall in Tobermory and Pennyghael Community Hall in the Ross of Mull.
For these rural communities, having places where people can gather is essential to promote social connection and the wellbeing benefits such spaces bring.
The announcement coincides with the Prince and Princess of Wales visiting the Isles of Mull and Iona to celebrate and connect with rural island communities.
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At Aros Hall, the 'Rainydays' play area will be refurbished and a soft play zone introduced.
These additions respond directly to feedback from local parents that children in north Mull need more opportunities for group play activities.
The play area is regularly used by local charity Home-Start Lorn as part of its work supporting parents and carers to build strong bonds with their children.
During their visit, the Prince and Princess of Wales will meet with the Home-Start Lorn team to learn how they support families with young children.
They will hear how the charity promotes social and emotional development using the Shaping Us Framework.
During their visit, the Prince and Princess of Wales will meet with the Home-Start Lorn team to learn how they support families with young children.
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At Pennyghael Community Hall, indoor communal spaces will be renovated and vital roof repairs will take place.
These improvements will future-proof the building for generations to come.
Banjo Beale, an interior designer and presenter of BBC's 'Designing the Hebrides' who lives on Mull, has volunteered his expertise.
He will work with the community to ensure the newly designed spaces reflect the island's culture and spirit.
Plans include creating a playful mural, upcycling local historic artefacts, and refurbishing furniture.
The designs will evoke the beauty and colours of Mull's coastal environment and local wildlife.
Alongside the refurbishment, The Royal Foundation is working with the local community to leverage further support through partnerships with members of its Centre for Early Childhood's Business Taskforce.
The Royal Foundation's work on Mull exemplifies its broader Community Impact programme, which aims to develop local spaces where people can gather.
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The Co-op is providing funding for essential play equipment for Aros Hall's 'Rainydays' play area, which is one of Co-op's Local Community Fund causes.
The LEGO Group is supplying play equipment to both community halls, giving younger children opportunities for creative play and hands-on learning.
The Foundation is also establishing connections to support plans for a sustainable community café in The Ross of Mull.
Additionally, the Q Charitable Trust is providing investment for yoga-based activities to support parental connection and foster a stronger community.
Melanie Waters OBE, Executive Director of Programmes at The Royal Foundation, commented: "It is a privilege to work closely with inspiring members of the community on Mull as they grow and develop spaces at the heart of their communities."
"Volunteers in both the north and south of the island have led incredible efforts to ensure communities have warm and inviting places to meet, access valuable services and form friendships."
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She added: "These partnerships are an integral part of The Royal Foundation's Community Impact programme work, mobilising unique coalitions, side by side with local communities as they boost vital community spaces, foster a stronger sense of belonging where people live and build opportunities for people and places to thrive."
These community hall renovations will significantly benefit the Isle of Mull's residents by creating welcoming spaces where people of all ages can connect.
The improvements address specific local needs, from play facilities for children to essential structural repairs.
By bringing together local expertise, volunteer efforts and corporate partnerships, the programme demonstrates how collaborative approaches can revitalise rural community assets.
The Royal Foundation's work on Mull exemplifies its broader Community Impact programme, which aims to develop local spaces where people can gather.
For island communities like Mull, these social hubs are particularly vital, helping to combat isolation and strengthen community bonds through shared activities and experiences.
