Community projects across Dumfries and Galloway are set to share a cash boost of more than £620,000.
Food hubs, children’s projects and schemes to tackle poverty are among the initiatives to benefit from the Community Led Local Development (CLLD) programme.
A local action group featuring representatives from the third, public and private sectors decided which applicants were successful, with Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway providing administrative support.
LAG chairman Harry Harbottle said: “The CLLD fund provides a vital support line for many community projects, particularly those that support the most vulnerable in our society. We have been amazed by the creativity that voluntary sector groups have demonstrated in their efforts to tackle the effects of declining public services and enduring poverty.”
Among those to benefit are Dumfries-based Southwest Scotland RnR which has received £14,200 for HGV training for six veterans on their waiting list. They can now work to gain their class two HGV licence and secure employment to support themselves and their families.
(Image: James Crawford Photography 2012)
Robin Hood, from the organisation, said: “Not only does the grant enable veterans to get their lives back and have dignity and self-respect, it also helps out the entire region’s economy as individuals are no longer claiming benefits but instead are paying income tax and council tax. Counselling is no longer required and this takes the pressure off the NHS.”
Also to benefit are Action for Children’s Upper Nithsdale project which will use the £16,600 boost to address financial difficulties for children and families.
Ae Bike Association will spend its £11,935 share on formal training for volunteers in the maintenance of bike trails and buy secure storage for tools and equipment.
Annandale Community Transport Services said the £13,000 it will receive will fund 175 minibus hires for community groups covering a wide range of activities.
There was also £1,917 for new refrigerators to safely store raw and prepared food to provide nutritious meals to members at the Dumfries Day Centre and other vulnerable people.
A Gretna FC 2008 project to convert all lights and fixtures in the stadium to LED and new electricity meters will be helped by the £10,312 it receives.
There was also great news for Kate’s Kitchen in Annan with £31,601 awarded for its services including delivering meals on wheels to vulnerable elderly people.
Kirkconnel Parish Heritage Society is delighted with the £2,975.13 fo its minibus service – Kirkconnel Community Transport.
Moniaive Playcare is to spend its £3,000 to extend its early years provision for two and three-year-olds.
Newstart Recycle in Annan has received two grants of £2,775 and £32,500 which will help provide services and support to those in the community through the provision of essential household goods, clothing and footwear at an affordable cost or free to those most in need.
Nith Valley Leaf Trust will spend its £2,450 funding on the community store at Closeburn shop and café where surplus food can be shared within the community, reducing food waste and supporting those experiencing food poverty.
And Dumfries-based Nest Nurturing Futures will use its £2,880 on two forest school sessions for children who are home-schooled or flexi-schooled, most of whom have been diagnosed with a disability or are awaiting assessment for a diagnosis.
Region-wide grants of £1,994 were secured for Parents Inclusion Network to enable families with children to attend a pantomime event; £20,000 for Dumfries and Galloway Befriending Project for activities or events and £30,825 for DG Voice’s Poverty Project which supports disabled people and families in financial crisis.
