A dozen organisations across the region are celebrating a shared National Lottery cash boost of almost £450,000.
Loreburn Housing Association has received £183,869 to support 300 people and 10 volunteers across Dumfries and Galloway over two years.
It will use the funding to provide an early intervention and prevention service for their most vulnerable customers who are financially excluded and most at risk of being in debt or falling into debt.
Kate’s Kitchen in Annan has been awarded £138,992 which will help the service to continue to provide support, social activities and food for vulnerable and isolated residents in Annandale and Eskdale.
The Annan-based project aims to reduce social isolation and supports individuals to take back control of their lives.
Langholm-based OutPost Arts is to receive £50,000 to deliver a programme of art workshops designed to improve mental health and wellbeing and tackle isolation.
It was founded in 2018 by a small group of creative-minded people with a keen interest in building a sustainable focal point for art-related activity in the town.
The Chariots of Fire Equestrian Centre CIC at Boreland near Lockerbie has been given a lifeline award of £9,900 to help fund its amazing work in running pony driving lessons and equine therapy sessions for young people with disabilities or additional support needs.
A volunteer-led befriending service across the region, called A Listening Ear, will receive £9,710 to increase the capacity of its telephone service for isolated older adults.
Crossroads Caring Scotland, which provides serves in Mid and Upper Nithsdale and the Stewartry from its Sanquhar base, will use its £9,886 to host a weekly lunch and social club primarily for the residents of its care home.
Nethermill Parent Council has been awarded £9,000 to provide forest school and outdoor play sessions for youngsters after school, at weekends and during holidays.
The Dumfries and Galloway Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Plus group has been granted £7,928.
It will be used to establish a monthly safe space in several locations across Dumfries and Galloway, providing opportunities for members, supporters and allies of the LGBT+ community to meet up, socialise and receive information and support.
There is also £5,000 for Lockerbie Bowling Club to refurbish toilets.
Creetown Initiative Limited has been awarded £2,740 which will help it to continue its quarterly community newsletter.
In total £438,389 was awarded to the region.
Kate Still, of the National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Our funding continues to support people who are facing tough times and who are having to make difficult choices on a day-to-day basis.”
