The Pars Foundation Posted on October 24, 2025October 24, 2025 by Joan McGregor Project title: PARS BEAT Region: Dunfermline, Scotland Award amount: £13,800 Date: October 2025 The Problem Coronary heart disease is amongst the biggest problem for adults living in Dunfermline. 15% of the population in Dunfermline live in areas of deprivation, where disease rates are highest. Adults have low physical activity levels and high rates of obesity as well as high levels of alcohol-related harm and hospital admissions. Again, these issues are worse in our most deprived communities which are negatively impacted by health and social inequalities. Adult life expectancy and adult healthy life expectancy are nearly 10 years lower for men and women in our most deprived communities. The Project Pars Beat is a 12 month project that uses the power and passion of football to engage our community to take better control of their heart health. The project has 3 main goals, to increase awareness, improve access to health screening and empower sustainable lifestyle changes. It aims to do this through weekly fitness and nutrition sessions, monthly community workshops and regular health monitoring and screening. They will also facilitate health walks twice a week for further low-intensity exercise. Peer support sessions are in place throughout this project to help ensure beneficiaries are meeting their personal goals. Pars Beat will also be hosting health screening events during Dunfermline Athletic FC home matches for supporters to have blood pressure checks and sign up for the project if their results show them at risk. This will ensure those taking part in the project are those at need. Project Highlights The project will use a first team member from Dunfermline Athletic FC as a project ambassador as well as involve coaches and specialists from the club to educate the beneficiaries. The project aims to take a number of health measures from the participants to show the success of the project and the progress individuals have made, these include cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. Some participants from Pars Beat will be trained to become volunteer ambassadors and they will keep the project running in the future by delivering it to new cohorts. This will support The Pars Foundation in reaching its targeted 130 direct beneficiaries from the Pars Beat project.
CAF Research Posted on October 13, 2025October 13, 2025 by Joan McGregor Three-quarters of UK businesses did nothing to support charities last year… but together, we can change that. According to a recent CAF survey, only 25% of UK businesses supported charities in 2024. That means 75% are currently not lending a hand to communities in need. The contrast is stark—while businesses in the North East lead the way (41% contributed), those in the South East lag behind at just 12%. At Heart Research UK, we believe that supporting charities isn’t just nice to do, it’s essential. That’s why we’re inviting businesses of all sizes to partner with us in meaningful, bespoke ways that benefit both your team and the communities we serve. What we offer Tailored Fundraising Campaigns Align fundraising with your workforce’s passions and strengths, we craft bespoke fundraising that will energise your staff and amplify your impact. Workplace Wellbeing Programmes Boost your team’s morale and health with our wellbeing programme that can run alongside your fundraising. We offer a range of services that can improve your employees’ heart health and lead to many benefits for your organisation. Why your support matters – now more than ever: In 2024, UK businesses donated around £4.2 billion, almost half of which came from FTSE 100 firms. Still, the overall level of support is low across our country, and when businesses give just 1% of pre-tax profits, it could generate an additional £5 billion for the charity sector – imagine what that could mean for us all? Better prevention programmes to protect us from heart diseases and stronger support for those living with them. What greater impact could a business have on its communities than helping people live healthier, longer lives? Moreover, embedding charitable giving into company culture isn’t just altruism, it’s a competitive edge. Purpose-driven workplaces attract and retain employees. The Financial Times reported that firms integrating charity work into their value proposition are seeing growing interest from talent, especially among younger generations. Join us in making a difference: If your business is among the 75% not yet involved, or if you’re looking to supercharge your existing efforts, please reach out. Let’s build a partnership that strengthens your workplace culture, supports vital health of your employees, and brings heart to your team’s efforts. Together, we can transform corporate giving from an optional extra into a cornerstone of responsible, compassionate business. If your business is ready to make an impact, let’s start the conversation. Email angharad@heartresearch.org.uk. Other Ways to Get Involved There are so many ways that you can make a difference in our fight against heart diseases. Donate With your help we can achieve a future free from heart diseases. Thank you for your support and kindness Learn more How Your Support Helps Everyone who supports our work powers life-saving medical research, vital community projects and masterclasses for tomorrow’s heart experts. Learn more Raise Money Want to raise money for Heart Research UK? Learn about all the ways you can and how your efforts will help save precious lives. Learn more
Raise Money Other Ways to Get Involved There are so many ways that you can make a difference in our fight against heart diseases. Donate With your help we can achieve a future free from heart diseases. Thank you for your support and kindness Learn more How Your Support Helps Everyone who supports our work powers life-saving medical research, vital community projects and masterclasses for tomorrow’s heart experts. Learn more Raise Money Want to raise money for Heart Research UK? Learn about all the ways you can and how your efforts will help save precious lives. Learn more