Small grants scheme Awards for All makes its latest round of awards

Over 100 community groups and charities in Scotland have been awarded a share in more than £800,000 from the National Lottery small grants scheme Awards for All.

The scheme, a partnership by SportScotland and Big Lottery Fund gives out grants of between £500 and £10,000 to projects that bring communities together to enjoy a range of activities.

Helensburgh and Lomond Carers is one of 121 projects sharing £828,098 in the latest round of awards.

It received a grant of £9,607, to help it celebrate its 15th anniversary in style with a ball at Cameron House Hotel in Loch Lomond giving 40 special carers a night to remember.

The organisation will also deliver a 12-week wellbeing course and run four educational trips for carers over the year, including a visit to Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery.

What is clear is that the smallest amount of funding can often make the biggest difference to people’s lives

Eileen McCrory, Helensburgh and Lomond Carers, centre manager, said: “This award will allow us to put on a wide ranging programme of events and activities for those carers who are traditionally hidden in our community.

“We are all looking forward to the 15th-anniversary ball where we will bring everyone together to celebrate the successes of the organisation and we look forward to moving to new and bigger premises which will benefit all of our carers, staff and volunteers.”

Applications remain open for the scheme and groups can download a form from the Big Lottery Fund website to apply.

An Awards for All spokesperson, said: “Today we are announcing over £800,000 that will help communities from across Scotland set up and develop projects run for and by local people.

“What is clear is that the smallest amount of funding can often make the biggest difference to people’s lives.

“All of these grants are a great way to show the variety of projects that can be funded through Awards for All.”