Lanarkshire volunteer group strengthens community impact with Business Gateway support
Larkhall & District Volunteer Group, a charity dedicated to reducing social isolation by promoting health, wellbeing and connection across Lanarkshire, has successfully transformed its online presence thanks to support from Business Gateway.
The group, founded in 1994, provides a wide range of inclusive activities, practical services and volunteering opportunities for people in and around Larkhall, Stonehouse, Ashgill and Netherburn.
The charity worked closely with senior business Gateway Adviser Craig MacFarlane, who provided tailored one-to-one support to help identify opportunities for growth and long-term sustainability.
During discussions with the organisation, Craig identified that the security certificate on the charity’s existing website had expired. This prompted a wider review of the organisation’s digital presence and highlighted the need for a completely refreshed website.
To support this development, Business Gateway provided the charity with five days of fully funded IT consultancy. The specialist support enabled the organisation to create a modern, user-friendly website that better reflects the breadth of services it offers to the local community.
Previously, the website had been managed externally by a volunteer, making it difficult to update content regularly. As a result, the charity faced challenges promoting its services, generating revenue and raising awareness of its activities. The outdated website also limited the organisation’s ability to showcase facilities available for hire, restricting opportunities to generate valuable income.
The new website is now sleek, modern and easy to navigate, clearly communicating the charity’s mission, services and community impact. It also provides a platform to promote room hire opportunities and other income-generating activities, helping to strengthen the organisation’s financial sustainability.
Craig MacFarlane, senior business adviser at Business Gateway, said: “Larkhall & District Volunteer Group provides invaluable support to the local community, and it was clear that its website no longer reflected the quality and range of services offered. By accessing fully funded digital support, the charity has been able to create a professional online presence that will help raise awareness, attract new users and support future income generation.”
Sandra McCrory, charity manager (CEO) at Larkhall & District Volunteer Group, said: “We absolutely love the look and feel of the new website. Thanks again to everyone involved in making this a smooth transition. The new website gives us a much stronger platform to showcase what we do, connect with our community and support the future growth of the organisation.”