CHRISTMAS has come early for community groups in Dumbarton and the Vale thanks to cash support from a supermarket chain.

The biggest award in the area from the Co-op’s Local Community Fund is to Dumbarton and District Women’s Aid, which will receive more than £8,000 to buy new equipment.

The full list of groups who are based in Dumbarton and the Vale, or whose work covers the area, who have received money from the fund is as follows:

Dumbarton District Women’s Aid: £8,331.14 to buy equipment to allow service users to access wellbeing activities - such as arts and crafts, sports, and yoga - and improve their mental health.

Tullochan: £7,863.08 to open an intergenerational furniture upcycling project to bring young and old members of the community together, while providing training qualifications in a safe environment.

Lomond Mountain Rescue Team (based in Drymen but covers the hills to the east of Loch Lomond): £2,529 to help with searches for people reported lost in the area, particularly on difficult and hazardous terrain which can be hard to search on foot.

Trossachs Search and Rescue (based in Callander but also with a coverage area including Loch Lomond): £2,666.99 to continue to provide Heartstart classes to ensure local people learn life-saving skills, and to replace the ageing defibrillators in each team vehicle.

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and shared value at the Co-op, said: “Throughout the pandemic we’ve seen more Co-op members than ever play an active role in supporting their community by selecting a cause.

“Our insight has told us that support for mental wellbeing, access to food and education and employment for young people, are key for helping communities as they get back on their feet.

“We’re delighted to see the incredible amount Co-op members have raised over the past five years.

“By listening closely to our local communities and providing the long-term investment and support they need, our members and customers have all helped make their communities places where we can all be proud to live and work.”

The Local Community Fund is generated by members trading across the Co-op’s businesses and supports grassroots projects across the UK, encouraging members to choose a local cause to support from a selection that are building stronger, more resilient communities.

To learn more, visit coop.co.uk/membership.