Highland MSPs urge third sector to apply to Wellbeing fund
Labour MSPs Rhoda Grant and David Stewart are urging third sector organisations in the Highlands and Islands to apply to the £10million Wellbeing Fund for community and third sector organisations across Scotland.
Groups who meet the criteria are those working with at risk groups with needs which are not being met.
They provide vital wellbeing support on issues such as mental health, personal finances, employment, housing, food, physical health and home life.
And they provide immediate and emerging forms of support.
But the deadline to apply for their own suppot is only next week: applications will have to be in by Friday, May 22.
Mr Stewart said: “Even at the best of times such organisations are often overlooked and have to spend a significant amount of their time and resource on sourcing funding – all while providing invaluable services and support to their communities.
"At a time like this, when the economy is about to enter a protracted period of shrinkage due to Covid 19 measures, it is vital that our third sector support network is able to shore up its resources as much as possible.”
Ms Grant added: “We are going to need these organisations more than ever in the coming years.
"They support mental and physical health services, tackle isolation and provide practical support for some of the most vulnerable in our society.
"The strength of the Highlands and Islands communities are built on community organisations, and it is only right that Government’s provide them with as much support as they need to help communities survive and recover from the effects of Covid 19.
"It is vital that as many groups as possible can get some benefit from this fund, as no one can get it to the most needy in our community quite as effectively as the third sector.”
Full details on the new fund and how to apply can be found at https://scvo.org.uk/support/coronavirus/funding/scottish-government/wellbeing-fund
