Further significant funding has been allocated to groups that are leading the response to Covid-19 in their communities

Community groups are set for a £10m funding boost.

Families on lower incomes and older people are to get more support with extra funding for lifeline services to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

The Scottish Government’s Supporting Communities Fund has seen almost £10m invested in projects, and now a further similar sum has been made available in the second round of the fund. The money will go directly to more than 250 community groups.

The community groups are operating as ‘anchors’, bringing together charities, volunteers, social enterprises and the public sector to co-ordinate the local response and channel support where it is needed. This includes making hot meals, organising grocery and prescription deliveries and providing wellbeing support.

Communities secretary Aileen Campbell said: “We know that community groups working in the heart of our communities and neighbourhoods have a wealth of experience in responding to challenges. We have seen this through many examples of the incredible response to Covid-19 in the past weeks that have made such a huge difference to so many people. This inspiring work that is already underway in our neighbourhoods is proving essential to our nation’s resilience.

“This funding will be a valuable lifeline for the range of innovative support available for people in our communities, and we are working fast to get that support to where it is needed most.”