Castlemilk has been handed a massive Big Lottery cash boost to make a difference to people’s lives.

A pioneering community project which offers a helping hand to local people can continue for another three years thanks to a grant of £145,740.

The TOWIU project – which stands for The Only Way Is Up - has been a runaway success and was created by Ardenglen Housing Association.

It offers a range of free activities from gardening to cookery, IT help, get-together groups for men and women, first aid sessions and even a sewing group – all aimed at building people’s confidence and giving them new skills.

It also offers help in finding a job, literacy support and tuition in learning English as a second language.

The housing association says it is “100 per cent committed to helping the community” and hailed the sensational news as a “real boost for Castlemilk.”

Ardenglen chief executive, Audrey Simpson, said: “This is great news for our community. Keeping our TOWIU project going is a crucial part of our regeneration work within Castlemilk and many people rely on it.

“We are immensely grateful to Big Lottery Scotland for this funding. Ardenglen has always believed our role is to help the community we serve in whatever way we can. And that includes developing initiatives like TOWIU which undoubtedly change people’s lives for the better.”

Announcing the Ardenglen money and other projects across Scotland, Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery Fund Scotland chair, said: “I am delighted that Ardenglen has been successful in obtaining a Big Lottery Fund grant. I wish The Only Way Is Up every success as it goes on to develop and expand for the benefit of the local community.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, this £9.6 million investment will reach into communities across Scotland and transform the lives of local people.

“Each of these inspiring projects will assist people at the times when they need most support, providing them with the tools, confidence and skills to work towards a more positive future.”

Karen McDonagh, chair of Ardenglen’s community committee, added: “This very generous award means we have secured funding until 2020. We simply can’t stop smiling.”