Fightback in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth wins further funding

It has emerged that a total of 14 groups will receive £5,143 each to deliver targeted proposals through the so-called Cumbernauld Grants Initiative For Virus Emergency Scheme.

The windfall was confirmed after plans hatched in recent weeks with Scottish Government came to fruition.

And the recipients were identified as the most deserving of the funds because of the lifeline they have delivered tirelessly to-date in supporting the most vulnerable people in our neighbourhoods .

The exact source of the cash is The National Lottery’s Supporting Communities Programme and Cornerstone house Centre will be responsible for distributing the sums proving that the church-based social enterprise scheme is becoming an increasingly high profile force in the town.

The move too demonstrates that Holyrood is taking a longer view of the crisis with an in-built acknowledgement that ease of lockdown will not automatically lead to a lack of demand for lifeline services at a grassroots level.

Mary McNeil, development manager at Cornerstone House Centre said: “We are delighted to be the broker and disperser of £72,000 of public funds which will play a major role in helping people and communities in Greater Cumbernauld respond, recover and rebuild groups,

“The funds will initiate activities such as regular delivery of nutritious food parcels to individuals and families who are experiencing poverty, coordination of targeted advice and information services for those severely affected by the crisis, facilitation of a safe and monitored outdoor playzone and garden area for Cumbernauld families during lockdown and loaning of bicycles to key workers and those requiring assistance with transport.

“Furthermore the monies will also help a number of valued local voluntary sector organisations to reopen premises and key services thanks to being able to purchase a range of costly but necessary Personal Protective Equipment.”

The recipients receiving the equal sum via the fund are as follows : Bethlehem House of Bread Food Bank, Chryston Community Council, Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth Citizens Advice Bureau, Cumbernauld FM, Cumbernauld Poverty Action, Cumbernauld Resilience Group, Cumbernauld Salvation Army, Cumbernauld YMCA-YWCA, Kilsyth and Villages Community Assistance, North Lanarkshire Women’s Aid, Northern Corridor Community Volunteers,One Parent Families Scotland and Strathcarron Hospice.

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