Communities Fund Employee Giving provided £40 of match funding
Letham Climate Challenge-Caring For People &Planet
Perth, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Aim
Donate to help LCC create a circular economy and a greener future via our tool library,swap shop, furniture store,allotments and greenspaces
Letham Climate Challenge is unique as it represents a community initiative tackling two pressing problems:
1)The challenge of the climate emergency and the excessive amount of waste which is produced by us and its disposal which contributes to global warming
2)The equally challenging problem of sections of our society living in poverty and unable to meet their most basic needs.
- The Swap Shop creates a circular economy where you can donate clothes or household items you no longer need, and in return recieve a “swap shop voucher” entitling to 5 free items from the shop. These do not need to be like-for-like. If nothing is brought to swap a small donation of 20p per item is charged. The Swap Shop is perfect for young families who are forever outgrowing their clothes- they can bring in clothes that are too small, and swap these for clothes that fit, without spending a penny.
- The Furniture Store hosts a varied selection of low-cost furniture, bedding, kitchen goods, curtains are other household furnishings. All electrical items such as lamps and toasters are PATested by our volunteers before sale. We also provide a free collection and delivery service of furniture, to remove any barrier to accessing second hand items, or also to deter people from buying new at the convenience of home delivery.
- The Tool Library offers free membership to access hundreds of tools and equipment that by many are used infrequently, but through our library can benefit many, reducing over consumption, encouraging DIY and upskilling and increasing home security by conducting minor repairs yourself.
- Community Allotments have been developed within two areas of derelict land. Our 24 plot-holders actively cultivate their plots and enjoy the benefits of an outdoor activity and the fresh vegetables and fruit they grow. In the summer term, 3 local primary schools learn to plant, grow, and eat their own fresh food.
- Housing Crisis Support We have longstanding referral relationships with statutory and voluntary agencies (P&K Housing, Turning Point, Salvation Army, P&K family Focus Team, Women’s Aid) whereby we supply emergency household basics (from beds to kettles) to people in or emerging from housing crisis. This is not simply a starter pack service, as we offer continued support through repeat referrals of toiletries, cleaning products, sanitary products and nappies, as well as any second-hand clothing items they may need, to ensure they are supported and can continue their tenancies.
- Greenspace enhancement We maintain a derelict piece of ground in Letham which we have been rejuvenating through volunteer assistance. We have pruned the trees and planted Spring and Summer flowering bulbs, improved the path infrastructure and introduced benches to create a community greenspace for all to enjoy.
- Litter Picking we are a litter pick host loaning litter picks, bags, gloves and high viz vests to members of our community as well as hosting monthly community litter picks for members of our community to take pride in where they live. The wider community benefit from increased awareness of environmental issues, reduced waste and greater community pride.
- LCC provides volunteering opportunities which reduces social isolation and offers the chance to meet people, make new friends, become part of a team and learn new skills.
Letham Climate Challenge is creating a circular economy, challenging the stigma of second hand living. The culture of sustainability in Letham will leave a lasting legacy of empowered residents, stronger community networks and practical climate action that benefits both people and the environment
Our vision is a community where fewer useful items go to waste, more people can afford everyday essentials, families can grow fresh food, and everyone has opportunities to enjoy nature and take action on climate change.
Sara Smith, Keep Scotland Beautiful, "I have visited many different projects but have never come across one quite like Letham Climate Challenge... The project works as it clearly has the needs of the local community at the heart of what it does.”
Kimberley Guthrie, Chief Officer of Scotland Towns Partnership “What I like about this project is that they are helping people in need, but they are going it with a dignified manner. But coupled with that, they are also appreciating other facets of the world that we live in just now, like climate change and the whole approach to reuse, recycle. This is something that could easily be rolled out in communities right across the country This is an exemplar- it covers everything. So even one part of it could be borrowed with pride. But this whole model is something that we should be actively encouraging communities across Scotland to be doing the same.“
Sean Batty, STV Weather Presenter “Letham Climate challenge is such an amazing thing. It’s doing something for social cohesion, it’s a place for the community to come That’s the volunteers, it’s the customers using the services and meeting for a catch up, it’s helping alleviate poverty in the area. The amount of products that are coming and going in the shop, and how busy it is. It’s a great example of a grassroots level of what people are doing locally to try and do their bit for the climate emergency. It is such a fantastic project and so many people doing such amazing work.“
Why are we crowdfunding?
We’re crowdfunding to cover the essential running costs that keep Letham Climate Challenge’s community services open and accessible. Rising costs make it increasingly difficult to sustain our tool library, swap shop, furniture store, allotments and greenspaces, which help local people save money, access essential items, grow food and connect with nature.
The difference we make is tangible. Last year we re-homed 63 tonnes of donations, otherwise destined for landfill, welcomed 14,214 visitors to our shops, supported 24 allotment holders and 24 school children with food growing, provided 230 free Home Starter Packs to people in housing crisis, collected 416kg of litter and supported 6 volunteers into employment. These services help families save money, reduce waste and make more sustainable choices. For many, the savings mean being able to afford hobbies, activities and days out with their children that might otherwise be out of reach.
By supporting Letham Climate Challenge, you are investing in more than a charity's running costs. You are helping sustain a practical, community-led response to the cost-of-living crisis and climate change, creating a greener, fairer and more resilient future for Letham and the wider Perth and Kinross community.
Every donation, whatever its size, will help us keep this work growing. Thank you for being part of our story.
How we’ll spend the money raised
Every donation will help protect our vital services by contributing to core costs of salaries, rent, utility bills, insurance, maintenance and connectivity. Through your support we can continue to reduce waste, tackle financial hardship and create a greener, more resilient community in Letham and across Perth and Kinross.
Our Impact Aug 2025- July 2026
59,796 reusable household items received, sorted and displayed- equating to 48 Tonnes
6 Tonnes of non-reusable donations recycled
8.7 Tonnes of furniture rehomed for free to people in poverty, or sold at low cost
627 items of furniture delivered for free
230 individuals in receipt of emergency home basics packs
776 essential items of furniture, kitchen appliances, bedding and toiletry/cleaning packs provided to referrals
14,214 visitors to our premises
2,517 swap shop vouchers exchanged
1,155 Boxes of period products provided for free
24 allotment holders supported
469 Electrical items PAT tested
416kg of litter collected during monthly community litter picks
𝟓,959 volunteer hours served
7 volunteers supported who have additional support needs
6 volunteers supported who have English as a second language
6 volunteers secured employment
16 Duke of Edinburgh participants supported
How you can help
There are three simple ways to get involved and support our project:
1. Make a donation
Every pledge gets us closer to our goal. Early support can help build momentum and inspire others to give too.
2. Spread the word
Share our project with friends, family and your wider network. The more people we reach, the more likely we are to succeed.
3. Volunteer with us
If you’d like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch through the ‘Contact’ section using the subject "I want to volunteer my time or expertise" on our project page.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 27th November 2026 at 8:56am