People and Communities Fund

Organisations across Scotland, supporting hundreds of community led projects that put people first, are to receive £8.6m funding for the year 2017/18.

The funding, announced by Housing Minister Kevin Stewart today (July 25^th), will have a positive impact on thousands of lives in Scotland - with support ranging from training/upskilling, employability advice, activities for young people, peer mentoring, and healthy eating initiatives.

The range of people who will benefit is equally diverse and includes families, lone parents, children, people suffering from a range of health issues and disabilities, older people, ethnic minorities, and rural or fragile communities.

On a visit to the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust, a recipient of the fund, Mr Stewart said:

“Supporting community led projects that put people first and directly tackle poverty and inequality is at the heart of what we do. I’m delighted that this fund will help hundreds of projects across Scotland and provide positive impacts for people living in poverty.

“Projects like the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust that focus on strengthening and uniting the local community through a range of activities is a great example of strong partnerships working together."

Beverley Hill, Keep Active Together project officer, said:

“The funding from the Scottish Government will allow the Trust to continue to deliver a wide range of activities to increase physical health and mental well-being, promote social inclusion, and overcome isolation in our remote and rural communities.” 

Background:

The People and Communities Fund is part of the Scottish Government’s Empowering Communities Fund.  With an annual budget of £20m this fund underpins the Community Empowerment Act by helping to ensure that communities have a stronger voice in the decisions that matter to them.

The People and Communities Fund, Strengthening Communities Programmes and the Community Choices Fund are the three main programmes supporting this overarching fund.