South Ayrshire Swim Team (SAST) are reaping the benefits of registering their community need on the NHSScotland Community Benefits Gateway (CBG) portal, thanks to support from the NHS supplier, Custody and Offender Medical Services LLP, provider of NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s healthcare for police custody services.
Custody and Offender Medical Service LLP has supported South Ayrshire Swim Team (SAST) by providing £11,431 of sponsorship to replace ageing swim timing equipment.
Elaine Young, NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Assistant Director of Public Health, explains more about the NHSScotland Community Benefits Gateway (CBG) portal: “Using the NHSScotland Community Benefits Gateway portal, NHS Ayrshire & Arran works with suppliers to maximise community benefits through procurement to achieve greater economic, social and environmental benefits for those living in Ayrshire and Arran.
“The CBG portal is a free and easy to use online system that connects NHSScotland suppliers with charities within Scotland who are looking for assistance with community initiatives (needs).
“South Ayrshire Swim Team had registered a need on the NHSScotland Community Benefits Gateway (CBG) portal to replace their ageing swim timing equipment. It is great that one of our NHS suppliers was able to help this local group towards their goal.”
The new swim timing equipment will improve SAST’s swim competitions, enabling swimmers to receive accurate swim times. As the team hosts other swim teams and attends competitions around Scotland, the new equipment will benefit swimmers from all over Scotland. Accurate swim times will also enable local swimmers to be considered for national competitions and the National Scottish Swimming squad.
Elaine Young adds: “I’d like to thank the Custody and Offender Medical Service LLP for supporting this community initiative. I would encourage other charities to register their community needs on the NHSScotland Community Benefit Gateway and would ask NHS suppliers to visit the portal to see how they could support local community needs.
“By supporting the NHSScotland Community Benefits Gateway, you can help NHS Ayrshire & Arran to reduce health inequalities and improve the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of those living in Ayrshire.”
For more information on the NHSScotland Community Benefit Gateway visit: https://www.nhsaaa.net/about-us/community-wealth-building/community-benefits-gateway/
James Jeffreys, Chair of South Ayrshire Swim Team, added: “We’re blown away by this kind donation from Dr Jamieson and the Community Wealth Building team at NHS Ayrshire & Arran.
“The club and the membership, past and present, have really pulled together in support of our Race Against the Clock campaign. This funding is a massive boost for us and it is clear how much of a place we have in the community. We can continue to offer swimming and all its benefits to a huge number of children through our pathway system. We’re just delighted. Thank you.”