A NUMBER of Inverclyde-based projects have been given major funding boosts worth over £600k after securing a share of the National Lottery’s £15m Community Fund.
The fund aims to help community groups provide vital services which support thousands of local people.
Greenock’s Belville Community Garden has been awarded £147,650 towards its work to support people’s mental health by getting them out of isolation.
Michelle Markey, 56, started volunteering at Belville six years ago and says it has become a 'lifeline' for her.
He said: “I have Generalised Anxiety Disorder and before I came here I was so paranoid and frightened of what people thought of me.
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“I had lost a lot of friends due to always letting them down and not being able to go to birthday parties or weddings and have become alienated from my family.
“The garden club gave me a sense of purpose, something and somewhere to go every Monday and feel relaxed and at ease.
"I found myself enjoying it so much I wanted to go out the house, I had a purpose. Belville Community Garden has given me a new life.”
Manager Sally Clough added: “We are delighted to be supported by The National Lottery Community Fund as we launch our new project ‘Groundworks for Growth’ with lots of exciting developments ahead over the next three years.
“This is very much a community-led project with lots of opportunity for everyone to get involved and help shape the future of the garden.”
The Glasgow Children’s Holiday Scheme has been given funding of £1,190, which will be used to replace the steps on its caravans in Wemyss Bay.
Project co-ordinator Douglas Wilson said: “This funding will help us improve the external landscaping and access to one of our caravans.
“This forms part of our continuous improvement programme ensuring we maintain the highest standards possible at each of our holiday caravans.
“For many of the children it is their first holiday and the first time they have been to the seaside.”
Inverclyde counselling service Mind Mosaic has also been allocated £200,000, with Lyle Gateway receiving £119,000.
Funding worth £140,975 was given to the Scottish Refugee Trust to establish a New Scots Women’s Peer Support Network, while £20,000 will go to Inverclyde Family Contact Centre for the employment of a childcare worker.
The Holy Family Lunch Club will also receive £10,000 for new kitchen equipment.
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