Filmhouse is delighted to announce it has bagged £2000 from Tesco’s Bags of Help community grant scheme. 

Bags of Help is run in partnership with environmental charity greenspace scotland, and sees grants awarded to thousands of local community projects every year.

Since launching in 2015, Bags of Help has provided more than £10 million to over 3,500 local community projects across Scotland.

Millions of shoppers have voted in Tesco stores across Scotland and it can now be revealed Filmhouse has been awarded £2000.

Senior Selections, one of the Filmhouse's flagship programmes, will be able to continue and develop thanks to this grant from Tesco. 

Senior Senior Selections invites audiences aged 60 and over to enjoy classic and contemporary cinema and share their thoughts afterward with a cuppa. The films are selected by a team of Senior Selections volunteers, who are on hand to welcome customers and have a chat. This project has given Edinburgh residents a regular, affordable and sociable occasionto enjoy new films and old favourites and make new friends with their fellow audience members.

“We’re very grateful to customers across Tesco stores for voting fo Senior Selections. We’re delighted to be awarded the grant. This enables us to continue providing essential cultural opportunities for audiences aged 60 and over living in and around Edinburgh.”  Juliet Tweedie, Filmhouse Head of Development

Voting ran in 11 stores throughout May and June with customers choosing which local project they would like to get the top award using a token given to them at the checkout. Tesco customers get the chance to vote for three different groups each time they shop. Every other month, when votes are collected, three groups in each of Tesco’s regions are awarded funding.

“Bags of Help contributes funds to community projects up and down the country and we’ve been overwhelmed by the response from customers voting in their local stores. We look forward to seeing even more projects come to life.” Tony McElroy, Tesco’s Head of Communications in Scotland

“At all stages Bags of Help involves local people – as awardees, as Tesco colleagues in decision making and as voting customers. The many funded projects have connected people, encouraged volunteers and allowed groups to do things for themselves and make positive contributions where they live. All adding up to an amazing legacy across Scotland.” Emma Halliday, Community Enabler Coordinator at greenspace scotland

In addition,to mark Tesco’s 100th year,they have announced two special voting rounds, Tesco Bags of Help Centenary Grants, taking place in store now with larger grant amounts available over wider geographic regions. Please look online for more information on if they can support your group either through the normal Bags of Help vote or Tesco Bags of Help Centenary Grants.

Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities.To find out more visit www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp.