Scottish Government announces further funding to ’empower’ community projects

The Scottish Government has announced further funding for community projects which will “empower” initiatives, the First Minister has said.

More than 80 grassroots initiatives across Scotland will share upwards of £3 million funding to help deliver community projects and activities that could help them generate their own income.

First Minister John Swinney announced the funding on a visit to the Usual Place in Dumfries, which is a charity that supports young people with learning disabilities to develop skills, gain qualifications and access employment.

Mr Swinney said: “Local organisations are best placed to understand what their communities need and how to deliver it. This programme helps to support and empower community initiatives to deliver what their area needs most – whether that is spaces for small businesses, culture and sport activities, or employability support.

“By providing this funding, we are helping organisations to become more financially resilient and develop the means to generate income for themselves. This will not only help boost local economies, but in turn help these projects generate more funds to serve wider community needs.

“The Usual Place is a fantastic example of this type of initiative. Their work to support young people with additional support needs to build community connections and friendships, and develop the skills needed to access employment, helps to improve peoples’ lives and future opportunities. I was pleased to visit the charity and see first-hand the difference it is making for people in Dumfries.”

This latest cash is an addition to previous Strengthening Communities Programme funding.

The Scottish Government’s extra funding aims to support community organisations to deliver local projects including spaces for business, improving access to employability and skills services, family and young people’s activities, and health and wellbeing support.

Craig McEwen, chief executive at The Usual Place, said: “Following a very difficult year for The Usual Place, we are now in a much better financial position.

“With the interim funding found to give us breathing space and now the success in securing funds through the Strengthening Communities Programme, we have the space to create capacity to implement some strategic changes, decided by the Board of Trustees, to enable us to diversify our income streams to ensure a more stable future for The Usual Place.

“Over the past 10 years we have put back into the economy of Dumfries and Galloway £9.8 million, so our value speaks for itself.

“We thank the First Minister personally, and the Scottish Government for believing in the work we do in reducing the disability employment gap here in Dumfries & Galloway and beyond.”