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Up to 15,000 Clyde-siders – Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games volunteers – can now apply for additional support from the Volunteer Support Pot to help them take part in this once in a life time experience.

With funding from the Big Lottery Fund, and supported by Glasgow 2014 and the Scottish Government Legacy 2014, the Volunteer Support Pot has been created as a discretionary fund to help volunteers whose individual circumstances need assistance towards the cost of participating.  No-one should have to stop their volunteering due to hardship or exceptional costs.

Big Lottery Fund Scotland Director Jackie Killeen said: “We want to make sure no one misses out on the opportunity to be a Clyde-sider simply because they are worried about cost or impact it might have. We are delighted to work with our partners Volunteer Development Scotland who will ensure that our £500,000 funding will ensure those who need vital support can get it.”

Volunteer Development Scotland Chief Executive George Thomson said: “Hello and welcome to the Volunteer Support Pot. We're ready to help you complete the volunteer journey of a lifetime at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. It'll be an enormous privilege for us to help, where required. We're simply open now, and looking forward to the journey with you.”

The Volunteer Support Pot is open to all Scottish residents who are Clyde-siders (games time volunteers). This support is available to a wide range of volunteers including individuals with a disability, those who are rurally isolated and carers.  If you’re worried about the cost of volunteering or the impact on your home life, the Volunteer Support Pot could help.

We can help with costs such as respite for carers, childcare, accommodation and travel from outside Glasgow.

Making an application is quick, simple and straight forward. Just go to our website www.vds.org.uk/volunteersupportpot and fill in the on line form. The website also has case studies, guidance, and other useful information available to you. We can also send an application form direct to you or complete it with you over the phone.

If you want to speak to member of the Volunteer Support Pot team please phone 01786 849771 and a member of our team will be happy to give you help, advice or further information.

Our aim is to ensure this process is made easy for volunteers.  We will support and guide you through the process and make it as easy as possible for you.  The Volunteer Support Pot is there to ensure volunteers participate and engage in the 2014 Games; building on skills, making new friends and enjoying the whole Commonwealth Games experience.

For more press or media information contact

Emma Whitfield Communications Manager BIG Scotland Press Office 0141 242 1415 / 07880 737157 emma.whitfield@biglotteryfund.org.uk

For more information about 2014 Communities or the Big Lottery Fund please

Go to our website www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/scotland
Call: 0300 123 7110
email: enquiries.scotland@biglotteryfund.org.uk or go to our website www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

Notes to editors

1. In September 2009 the Scottish Government outlined its legacy plans.  These plans set out their, and their wide range of partners’, collective ambitions to maximise and realise the potential of the Games to transform the lives of people in Scotland - by broadening horizons, by encouraging physical activity and by supporting jobs etc.
2. Legacy 2014 is the public facing Scottish Government brand which aims to encapsulate all legacy activity relating to the Games and other major events.  Already many individuals, groups and businesses are benefiting. To find out more about the many opportunities available for people and businesses in Scotland to get involved visit www.legacy2014.co.uk 
3. This programme will be put out to tender by the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) in February, and the contract awarded to a suitable company in April.
4. All volunteers must be over 16 and eligible to work in the UK. For further information on volunteering at the Games, visit www.glasgow2014.com
5. BIG is the largest distributor of National Lottery good cause funding, is responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised for good causes by the National Lottery. BIG is committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need and has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK since June 2004. The Fund was formally established by Parliament on 1 December 2006.
6. BIG is funding grassroots sports and physical activity in the run up to Glasgow 2014 through the 2014 Communities is a micro grants programme, offering local sports clubs, voluntary and community organisations, community councils and schools grants of £300 to £2,000 to support and stimulate grass roots involvement in sport and physical activity