Communities in Glasgow are to share in £1.2million of lottery funds.

Among those who were granted cash for projects in Glasgow is ng Homes which will use the £275,000 it received to operate its furniture recycling service and its financial and welfare support  service and well as running events to promote mental health and support diversity in the community.

The social housing landlord which has homes in Possilpark and Springburn has been active during the coronavirus pandemic to help support vulnerable people in their communities.

READ MORE:Possilpark charity received £1.4m grant for new community hub

The National Lottery Community Fund cash will allow the association to continue this work and will also pay for here members of staff to carry out the work

John Thorburn, Chairperson of ng homes, said: “We are delighted to be awarded funding from The National Lottery Fund to support the work of key staff members and the excellent furniture project in North Glasgow.

“The project has been a real success and it has already helped so many people who have found themselves in hardship.

“There is some brilliant work happening across the community so it is excellent news that the funding will support three core staff members and a large community partnership approach to carry out meaningful work.

“The community partnership will be especially key in delivering services to make a positive impact in the North Glasgow community.”

Cash awards to other projects in the city include £121,703 to Greater Pollok Citizens Advice Bureau to provide financial advice for people with mental health concerns.  Josephine Potts, Chairperson, said: “It will allow us to provide even more financial advice to vulnerable people with mental health issues in places where they feel most comfortable including the Rossdale Resource Centre in Pollok.

“We have found that lockdown has made things much harder than they already were for people struggling to cope and feeling isolated.  The project will help people to resolve problems associated with debt or benefits which for a lot of people with mental health issues this is the only source of income.”

Visual Statement in the north east of Glasgow has been awarded £79,500 to provide creative activities for up to 90 participants and 25 volunteers, including dance, singing, musical theatre and drama.

Erin Donaghy a supporter of the project, said: “It’s amazing news that Visual Statement will be up and running again, in new outreach premises.

“It will allow everyone, existing and new members, to have a safe space to socialise and engage in meaningful activities, in particular exercise that supports their mental health and well-being.”

Living Solo Initiative has been given £9,160, to deliver English conversation classes, a support group and post-lockdown outings for minority ethnic women.

Elizabeth Ndungu Chair of Living Solo Initiative, said: “Through COVID-19, we have seen women in our community struggle to cope alone, suffer from depression and unfortunately even die alone. 

“Every week, thanks to this funding, ladies from ethnic minorities in Glasgow will get together online or in person to exercise together, talk and laugh together and get critical information on important issues such as the COVID vaccination, women's health and learning to use the internet to enrich their lives. Through this platform, Living Solo Initiative will build a sustainable support network, help build friendships and share skills to cope in this digital era.”

Kate Still, National Lottery Community Fund’s Scotland Chair, said: “It’s great to see a variety of community projects being funded in Glasgow to help people as they recover from the pandemic. I’m looking forward to seeing how these projects improve communities and the lives of local as people as they start to come together again to re-build and re-connect.”