These are the 25 projects successful in the latest round of Community Choices funding

The 4000 votes cast by the public will allow 25 community projects across the Falkirk Council area to benefit by up to £5000 each.

A total of 55 nominations had been made.

This is the sixth round of Community Choices, where local people are given a direct say in how public money is spent on community-led projects.

Since it launched in 2020, around £3.5 million has been distributed to around 200 projects.

Once again groups rallied their communities to support them with their votes, using everything from social media campaigns to leaflets and doorstep conversations to get the backing needed.

There was also a huge variety of projects which received funding – from the Bo’ness Children’s Fair Festival which received the most votes of any project to Stenhousemuir’s Dobbie Hall getting funds for a new sound system, a phone box history project in Bainsford to a growing and cooking project at Bailliefields Community Hub in Brightons.

In Falkirk North Freedom of Mind Community Choir has received £4993 to deliver its Songs of Connection and Joy project, a programme of songwriting workshops and free community performances running from April to December this year.

For some people, joining a choir isn't just about the singing, it's the first time they've left the house all week.

The project is designed to reach people experiencing isolation, loneliness, disability, mental ill health and chronic ill health – offering a reason to get out, be creative and connect with others. Accessible transport will be provided for choir members who need it, removing one of the most common barriers to taking part.

Eight songwriting workshops will give members the chance to write and shape their own material, followed by eight free performances open to the wider community. Around 250 people are expected to benefit through participation and attendance.

Kim Edgar, co-music director and project manager of the group, said: “Freedom of Mind Community Choir are delighted that we've been successful in the public vote, which will enable us to write four uplifting songs and share them in eight local performances.

“This will give our choir members a sense of achievement, purpose, and wellbeing, and bring those experiencing isolation and loneliness in Falkirk North, including disabled and older people, feelings of connection and joy.”

The new Polmont Sports Centre Community Group has been awarded £4435 to deliver Activities for All, a new programme of accessible sports designed for disabled people, individuals with additional support needs, older adults and community members who may be at risk of social isolation.

As for many other people, the hardest part of getting active isn't the exercise, it's finding somewhere that feels welcoming enough to try.

The funding will bring a range of gentle, low-impact activities to the centre, including boccia, soft archery, New Age Kurling and carpet bowls. All are chair-friendly and designed to help people stay active, build confidence and enjoy social contact at their own pace.

The group will work with Forth Valley Disability Sport and local agencies to get the word out, using networks such as GP surgeries, libraries, community councils and carers' organisations to reach those who stand to benefit most.

Janet Crosthwaite, treasurer and secretary of Polmont Sports Centre Community Group, said: “We are honoured to be chosen by our community to receive this award and wish to thank everyone who voted for us.

"It will mean we can extend our activities to more elderly groups and our disabled community to enable us to further reinforce our aim of being for our whole community regardless of age, ability, sex, income or ethnicity.”

Kenneth Lawrie, Falkirk Council chief executive, said: “I am delighted to be able to announce that 25 local projects have benefited from a total of £115,810 from the Community Choices Fund, our participatory budgeting grant scheme.

“Participatory budgeting is a democratic way for people to decide how to allocate some of the council budget, allowing them to identify, discuss, and prioritise projects that benefit their communities the most.

“This round of Community Choices has once again highlighted the creativity, passion and commitment of local groups across all our nine ward areas. We’ve seen energetic social media campaigns, one-to‑one conversations on doorsteps and events in community spaces, all encouraging people to take part.

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to every group that put forward a project and to every resident who cast a vote. Community Choices continues to demonstrate that when we empower our communities to lead, we unlock ideas and activities that make Falkirk a better place for everyone.”

Here’s all the successful participants:

Bo’ness and Blackness: Bo’ness Children’s Fair Festival – £4799.93; Bo’ness Car 4U, cancer patient care – £5000; Buzzness, community events and Bo’ness public toilets – £5000.

Grangemouth: Friends of Inchyra Park, Inchyra and Charlotte Dundas improvement project – £3480; Sealock Infinity, community games room – £5000; Grangemouth Sea Cadet Unit, Let the Cadets Shine – £4981.44.

Denny and Banknock: Dunipace Football Club-Youth & Community, Denny Sports Centre improvements – £5000; Dennyloanhead Community Hall Ltd, reception upgrade – £5000; Denny District Community Group, Denny Live! – £5000.

Carse, Kinnaird and Tryst: KLSB Community Group, Stenhousemuir Christmas Festival – £4950; Dobbie Hall Trust, updated sound system – £5000; Airth and District Senior Citizens Group, senior citizens – £5000.

Bonnybridge and Larbert: Bonnybridge Community Hub, Furnishing Hope: equipping our community centre – £4472.78; ROOTS, Roots community bus and events – £5000; Friends of Forth Valley First Responders, spares for public access defibrillators – £5000.

Falkirk North: Forth Valley Sensory Centre, Bloom without Barriers – £3262.51; Falkirk Made Friends, Dawson Park K6 phone box history project – £4958.40; Freedom of Mind Community Choir, Songs of connection and joy! – £4993.50.

Falkirk South: Blooming Bairns, children’s seasonal nature trail – £4800. No other group received ten per cent of the vote in this area.

Lower Braes: Polmont Sports Centre Community Group, activities for all – £4435; Polmont Community Council, additional defibrillators for village – £2800; Polmont Together, continue on our Holly Jolly Christmas and other village events – £3638.

Upper Braes: Bailliefields Community Hub, community growing and cooking project 2026 – £4900; Shieldhill Welfare Hall SCIO, community hall media upgrade and upgraded bar equipment – £4827.98; Maddiston Community Hub, health and wellbeing room – £5000.