Local Southside charity Merry-go-round is celebrating a £39,000 award from The National Lottery Cost of Living Support Fund. This funding will help the organisation provide essential children’s goods and maternity items to families across Glasgow through its Carousel Programme. The grant will enable Merry-go-round to distribute free packs to families in need and host support events tailored to community needs.
Founded in 2012 by local parent Sam Moir, Merry-go-round was inspired by her personal experience with the financial and environmental pressures of raising children. The charity has since grown into a vital resource for families, reducing costs and waste while building community connections.
Sam Moir, founder of Merry-go-round, commented:
“Merry-go-round has grown beyond anything I could have imagined. I’m incredibly proud of our amazing team of staff and volunteers who are deeply committed to supporting families and protecting the environment. The community we’ve created is the heart of what we do.”
The Carousel Programme partners with health visitors, social workers, and charities to support families facing financial hardship, including refugees, asylum seekers, and those in crisis. Through donations, the programme provides clothing, toys, books, and nappies to families in need. Last year alone, Merry-go-round delivered over 900 packs with the help of more than 100 partnering agencies across Glasgow.
One Carousel partner said:
“Merry-go-round has been a lifeline for families during stressful times. Many of the families we work with have limited resources or support networks, and these essential items make a big difference.”
The National Lottery funding, raised by players to support good causes, will allow Merry-go-round to reach even more families throughout Glasgow. It will also support the expansion of their community events programme, which offers vital resources, creates support networks, and combats isolation for parents with young children.
Roisin Murray, General Manager of Merry-go-round, added:
“This funding will make a huge difference in the number of families we can support through our Carousel Programme and events. We’re excited to give even more back to the community that has championed us over the years.”
Merry-go-round remains dedicated to supporting Glasgow’s families through their innovative, sustainable, and community-focused initiatives.
