Projects to alleviate inequality win funds of £10.8m

ALMOST 200 community projects are to share £10.8 million in funding to help tackle inequality.

The money will support projects that work to reduce the levels of isolation experienced by older people, provide training and employability advice to adults, and promote healthy eating, volunteering opportunities and activities for youngsters.

The People and Communities Fund aims to empower communities to deliver longterm solutions that tackle poverty, the Scottish Government said.

In total, 185 projects across the country, including Grampian Target Employment, Dundee International Women’s Centre, Port of Leith Canny Budgeting and Glasgow Disability Alliance, will benefit from the money.

Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess made the announcement on a visit to Rosemount Lifelong Learning in Glasgow, which will receive about £100,000 over the next year.

She said: “The People and Communities Fund recognises every community has different needs and challenges, and it is the people who live and work in those areas that are best-placed to come up with the solutions to address inequalities.

“By funding projects changing behaviours through healthy eating and food growing, and investing in schemes, such as Rosemount Lifelong Learning, which are helping to train and increase people’s skills to find employment, we are empowering communities and giving them the support they need to shape their own futures and tackle the deeprooted causes of poverty.”

The funding will help Rosemount provide courses in information and technology, food hygiene and first aid.