More than half of a £2.1 million pot set aside to help fund community projects in Scotland is destined for Angus and Dundee, the Big Lottery Fund has revealed.
The main beneficiary will be a debt avoidance programme organised by the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) at its bases in the area, which will receive £794,634 under the new Investing in Communities scheme. It is expected that around 6000 people in the region will receive guidance and support from staff as part of the Avoid Debt Act Positively Today (ADAPT) initiative.
Arbroath-based Angus Carers Centre has been awarded £334,643 towards its new Caring for Life project, designed to give practical assistance to those in caring roles, by helping with financial management and alerting them to any benefits they may be entitled to.
Operating from offices in the town’s Fisheracre, it also offers emotional support and allows carers to interact with each other and take part in social activities.
Alison Magee chairs the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) Scotland Committee and said she was “delighted” that the first Investing in Communities grants would benefit the services at a time when funding for such groups was thin on the ground.
“The awards illustrate what the Big Lottery Fund Scotland is all about, supporting those with the greatest needs,” she added. “We live in challenging times and our funding is not only a lifeline to a particular project but can make all the difference to the wider community.”
Staff involved in the development of the projects also expressed their gratitude for the awards. Head of service at Angus Citizens Advice Bureau George Allan insisted that improving the financial capability of individuals was vital during these challenging economic times.
“We are so grateful to BIG for supporting us in this new venture which will be directed at those who are disabled or disadvantaged,” he said. “In the long term this will reduce the heartache that comes with overspending, as well as the costs and losses incurred to resolve debt issues.
“The fact that Angus and Dundee CABs are partners in this joint venture makes it all the more challenging as our focus moves from rescheduling debt towards enabling people to budget more effectively and avoid the painful consequences accordingly.”
Chief executive of Angus Carers Centre Katy Webster said the funding would have a “tremendous impact” on the Caring for Life project.
“This new project will allow this work to continue to develop, while at the same time addressing the specific needs of parents who care for a son or daughter with disabilities or long-term condition, which is an area identified as lacking in provision.”
To find out more about the Big Lottery Fund visit its website.