A Thank‑You to VAER

We’re delighted to share an update about how recent funding from Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire (VAER) is already making a real difference at OPEKA. Their support is helping us strengthen both our behind‑the‑scenes operations and expand what we offer to our community.

As many of you know, VAER serves as a local “Centre for Collective Impact,” supporting community groups and voluntary organisations across East Renfrewshire. Their mission is to help bring people together, offer resources and guidance, and enable grassroots groups to thrive. 

What VAER Funding Has Enabled

Thanks to VAER’s generosity, OPEKA has recently been able to:

  • Upgrade our internal tools – we now have a dedicated laptop and mobile phone, which helps our team stay organised, connected, and responsive for participants and volunteers alike.
  • Launch a brand‑new activity: Golf & Society sessions – this new offering gives adults with Additional Support Needs the chance to try something new, build confidence, socialise, and enjoy relaxed, inclusive sport and community time.

These improvements are more than just conveniences – they help us deepen our impact, reach more people, and offer a broader variety of meaningful activities.

 Why This Support Matters

The support from VAER does a lot more than fund equipment or activities. It helps make sure that small, community‑led organisations like ours can operate sustainably – ensuring inclusion, accessibility, and continuity for everyone involved.

VAER’s work as a Third Sector Interface provides crucial resources: from funding opportunities to volunteer coordination and community networks. 

By supporting the foundations, VAER empowers organisations like OPEKA to focus on what we do best: create supportive, welcoming spaces for adults with Additional Support Needs to connect, learn, and enjoy new experiences.

Our Gratitude

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the team at Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire. Your support is helping us grow, adapt and thrive. Because of you, more people have access to inclusive community activities, new opportunities, and a sense of belonging.

To everyone who is part of our journey – participants, volunteers, supporters – we promise to continue building, creating, and expanding what OPEKA can be for our community.

Learn More About VAER

If you’re interested in the work of Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire – whether as a volunteer, community‑group leader or someone looking for local support – check out their website. They provide a wide range of services, from funding and volunteering guidance to community networks and group support across East Renfrewshire.