SLS Steps Up for Communities in Fife

For the second year running, Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS) has partnered with the ESES Communities Team as part of its commitment to delivering social value through its supply contract with the University of Edinburgh. Keen to support organisations across Fife, SLS worked with ESES Communities to identify opportunities where financial contributions, donations and volunteering could make a meaningful difference to local people and communities.

Through this collaboration, SLS provided support to four organisations tackling a range of social challenges, from food poverty and family hardship to community wellbeing and opportunities for children and young people.

Supporting Children to Learn a Vital Life Skill

Working with Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, SLS helped address barriers preventing some children from fully participating in swimming lessons. The Trust delivers Scotland's National Framework for Swimming across 14 venues in Fife, supporting more than 8,000 children each week.

Many families struggle with the additional costs of swimming lessons, including goggles, swimwear, and swim bags. Through financial support from SLS, essential equipment was purchased to help children access lessons with confidence and continue developing an important life-saving skill.

Helping Families Facing Financial Hardship

SLS also supported Fife Gingerbread, a charity that provides

advice and practical support to lone parents and families across Fife. The organisation had a live request on the ESES Communities Portal seeking support for its annual Heat and Eat Appeal, which provides vital assistance to families experiencing crisis.

The financial contribution from SLS helped strengthen the charity's ability to support families struggling with the cost of essentials such as heating and food, ensuring help reaches those who need it most.

Boosting Food Bank Stocks for Local People

Recognising growing demand for emergency food support, SLS donated food and toiletries to Cupar Foodbank after learning that stocks had become depleted. The donations helped replenish supplies ahead of the busy Christmas period and contributed towards food hampers expected to support around 300 people across North East Fife.

Steve Blake, Manager at Cupar Foodbank, said:

"We received donations of food and toiletries from Scientific Laboratory Supplies to help boost our stock in the lead-up to the Christmas period. The donations will be put towards the Christmas hampers that we provide during the holiday season. We anticipate supplying around 100 hampers, which will help approximately 300 people in need in North East Fife."

Rolling Up Their Sleeves at BRAG Community Garden

SLS employees Gerry and Megan also volunteered their time with BRAG (Benarty Regeneration Action Group) and its Community Roots project. The initiative provides an inclusive community garden where people of all ages can come together to grow food, develop skills and build connections.

During their volunteering day, the SLS team helped create compost for food-growing activities and prepared the children's garden area used for sessions that bring together parents, babies and toddlers. Their support helped ensure the garden could continue providing fresh produce, social connection and learning opportunities for local residents.

 

Creating Lasting Community Impact

Through a combination of funding, donations and hands-on volunteering, SLS has demonstrated how businesses can deliver meaningful social value within local communities. From helping children learn to swim and supporting families in crisis to strengthening food provision and community wellbeing initiatives, their support has touched lives across Fife.

By working with ESES Communities and local organisations, SLS has helped create positive, lasting change while strengthening the communities in which it operates.