Interest Link Borders Receives £380,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund

That the Parliament congratulates Interest Link Borders on receiving £380,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund to enable it to continue providing befriending services for children and young people with learning disabilities aged eight to 25, alongside its adult befriending service; recognises that Interest Link provides support to people with learning disabilities, as well as young people with autism, across the Scottish Borders; notes that its services include one-to-one friendships, social groups, in-school groups and distance befriending; understands that group activities take place in communities, including in Duns, Coldstream, Kelso, Selkirk and Hawick, and includes arts and crafts, drama, cookery, music, games, outings and meals; recognises that its in-school groups help the organisation reach children who might be unable to attend community groups; further recognises the benefits to families and carers through predictable short breaks and the reassurance of knowing that the person that they care for is able to socialise safely; commends the volunteers who give their time to build meaningful friendships with members; recognises the contribution that friendship, inclusion and participation can make to confidence, independence and wellbeing, and wishes Interest Link Borders every success in continuing what it sees as its valuable work across the Scottish Borders.