New fund launched to help those in Grantown area struggling with bills during lockdown
A 'Help Fund' has just been launched for the Grantown, Dulnain and Cromdale areas which can assist with meeting small bills for those who are currently finding times tough.
The initiative is now open for donations and for anyone needing help – be it meeting the cost of heating, electricity, broadband or other essential services.
Grantown Minister Gordon Strang stressed that all contact would be treated in confidence.
He said: "As the last couple of months have gone by, it has become clear that there is a real need in some households with a loss of income and rising costs.
"There has also been a wonderful desire in lots of our communities to try to help.
"With the help of the Grantown Initiative, the Help Fund is another way of tying those two things together: giving a focus for people's donations and a safe place that people can come to for help."
Rev Strang said Grantown's Community Food Table had been an obvious place to start and organisers had seen usage grow over the weeks.
He said this was the next step to help those struggling financially during the Covid-19 lockdown.
"Huge thanks to Grantown's Co-op and Scotmid, and also Aviemore Aldi, and the team of volunteers there each day," he said. "But we know that there is a need beyond just food.
"Heating, electricity, access to phone and broadband – especially for all those families trying to keep their kids online for schooling – or emergency bills.
"There are all sorts of things that people might be struggling with just now. The Help Fund is there for them.
"Through a small group of people who are hopefully well known and trusted by the community, gifts can be made from the fund very confidentially.
"Anyone of us can be contacted by phoning a new number – 01479 722193 – and no one else needs to know."
Other people and points of contact on the advisory group are Heather Fraser of the town's YM Community Centre; Claire McGonigal, Grantown Grammar School headteacher and Sharon Hamilton, of Grantown Health Centre.
