Community projects to share £7.3m in lottery funding

More than 140 community projects across Scotland have been given a share of just over £7.3m.

A total of 141 groups will receive awards from the National Lottery Community Fund.

The projects include those delivering emergency care packages to vulnerable Scots and providing online and telephone support to isolated people such as young carers, pregnant women and people experiencing domestic abuse.

Neil Ritch, National Lottery Community Fund’s Scotland director, said: “In these difficult and unprecedented times, it’s heartening to see the way Scottish communities are coming together to provide each other with support.

“These awards, made possible by National Lottery players, recognise the hugely valuable and important contribution that Scotland’s voluntary and community sector plays in boosting the health, well-being and morale of local people.

“Many of them have found innovative ways to keep their communities connected during the current crisis, whilst others will support people in the future when they can physically come back together to make great things happen in their community.”

Pregnant women are among those at increased risk from the coronavirus outbreak.

Nurture the Borders C.I.C supports expecting mothers with activities such as live online antenatal classes.

It has been awarded £144,760 so it can continue to support families across the Scottish Borders over the next three years.

Rosie Kennedy, director of the charity, said: “These vital National Lottery funds will allow us to provide support to women and their families throughout pregnancy and the first two years with their baby.

“The current pandemic means our services are more in demand than ever before and we are so thankful to be able to support women and help break the isolation during this very difficult time for many.”