The organisation is one of only 197 across Scotland to have been allocated funding to help change disadvantaged communities by providing local projects to tackle poverty and promote social inclusion.

£40,000 was allocated to take forward a ‘Small Steps Project’ working with elderly and vulnerable people in the community. The grant will pay for a Community Engagement Worker to deliver a Good Neighbour Service aimed at identifying isolated tenants and matching them with suitable volunteers, as well as continued funding for an Employability Officer to assist clients into further education, training and employment.

A further £40,000 was allocated towards taking forward a new Youth Arts Project. The Project will cover Film Production and Performing Arts and will include weekly workshops culminating in theatre productions and roadshows which will be taken out into the community. This is a 2 year project and is also part funded by Young Start.

Assistant director, Liz Docherty, who has lead responsibility for ANCHO’s wider action activities, said: “We are so pleased to have this support from the Scottish Government towards continuing and extending the services and support we provide within our communities. Both projects are so exciting, and offer benefits to young and old alike.”

Alex Neil, cabinet secretary for social justice, communities and pensioners’ rights, added: “Every community in Scotland has different challenges and aspirations and there is no one-size fits all approach to tackling poverty. That’s why our People and Communities Fund is giving communities the power and confidence to shape their own futures and address inequalities more effectively. The Fund gives community groups like ANCHO, the chance to identify problems in their area and the funding to provide solutions.”