FOUR local projects have received a boost thanks to £3.3million of National Lottery’s funding.

The groups are a part of 282 organisations to receive funding. As the Covid-19 crisis hits communities, the charities and voluntary groups receiving the grants are ones which are providing support and advice to those who need it the most.

Carers of West Dunbartonshire, a non-profit organisation which provides support for carers across the area, received £8,420, which it will use for a new project focusing on working with unpaid carers and supporting their access and participation in a range of stress management techniques including mindfulness, meditation, yoga and music therapy.

Clyde Shopmobility, a local service which offers a wide range of mobility equipment for those that need it – including mobility scooters, manual and powered wheelchairs, rollators and walking sticks – will use their £8,400 to help the immediate and emerging needs of those who require mobility support in West Dunbartonshire.

Edinbarnet Parent Council, at Edinbarnet Primary School received £2,000, which will be used to buy outdoor kit in order to set up an intergenerational walking club bringing school pupils, their parents and grandparents together.

And Drumchapel Asian Forum, a community started in 2017 to bring together residents originally from Pakistan, will use £9,900 to run multi-cultural community meals and events in their local community.

Neil Ritch, National Lottery Community Fund’s Scotland director, said: “This funding will make a huge difference to the lives of thousands more people and highlights the vital work that’s being done in communities across the country at the moment.”